His seat is understandably hot, and only getting hotter.
Getty Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano and head coach Matt Nagy Could Chuck Pagano’s days as the Chicago Bears‘ defensive coordinator be numbered? After yet another disappointing showing that saw his unit lit up for 30+ points against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, it’s looking more and more like a distinct possibility for a Chicago team that snuck into the playoffs courtesy of a Los Angeles Rams win. The Bears could have earned the berth themselves with a victory over Green Bay, but instead, they had to rely on the outcomes of other games, which worked out in their favor. Prior to their matchup against the Packers Week 17 — a game they just lost 35-16 — Pagano had vowed to bring a defense that was firing on all cylinders, a metaphor he employed himself. “We’re emptying the chamber,” Pagano said last week in reference to what his defense would bring to the game against the Packers, per the Chicago Tribune. Instead, Pagano’s defense sacked Rodgers just once, while recording six QB hits and dropping three potential interceptions. The Bears failed to pressure Rodgers consistently yet again (they didn’t touch him at all in their first meeting Week 12) and as a result, Pagano may be on his way out of the Windy City, regardless of what happens next week when the Bears face the Saints in the playoffs. ALL the latest Bears news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Heavy on Bears newsletter here! Sign up for the Heavy on Bears Newsletter! Over the last week, Windy City Gridiron and Bear Report’s Aaron Leming along with DaBearsBlog’s Johnathan Wood both suggested via Twitter that Pagano could very well be fired at the end of the season, while the rest of the coaching staff, as well as GM Ryan Pace, could all stay on at least one more year, although nothing has been confirmed or denied by the organization.
