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The entire Chicago Bears defensive staff may be facing a complete overhaul after all.
First, Chuck Pagano retired as the Bears’ defensive coordinator days after their playoff elimination. Later, defensive line coach Jay Rodgers was reported to be leaving for a job with the Los Angeles Chargers. Most recently, after a lengthy search no less, the Bears promoted safeties coach Sean Desai to the defensive coordinator job.
Now, the Bears will be searching for a new outside linebackers coach. Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Ted Monachino will not return for the upcoming 2021 season.
The #Bears coaching staff remains a work in progress and another assistant is not expected to return - OLB coach Ted Monachino.https://t.co/9dYc4pokET
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) January 23, 2021
Ted — no, not THAT Ted — was brought in by Chuck Pagano to fulfill the role as outside linebackers coach following Brandon Staley’s departure in 2019. Prior to that, Ted had served as a DC for Chuck with the Indianapolis Colts. Since 2019 he has coached a group which featured Khalil Mack; Robert Quinn (who’s been a disappointment); Leonard Floyd; and a rejuvenated Barkevious Mingo.
Sean Desai and head coach Matt Nagy now have vacancies in the following positions:
- Defensive Line
- Safeties (due to Desai’s promotion)
- Outside Linebackers
It is currently unclear why Monachino was not retained at this time. I will admit the overall production vs. money invested at his position group has...not been ideal. Only Khalil Mack, and occasionally other rotational players, have provided some form of pass rush from the edge. So a change here may be performance related.
It is also unknown at this time who will be targeted for this position. However, Brad Biggs mentioned analyst Bill Shuey as an inhouse candidate. We’ll let you all know who’s the guy once one is found...or, if this entire scheme is being flipped upside down.