Vic Fangio Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation on Former 49ers DC's Future

Former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is joining John Fox's coaching staff with the Chicago Bears.  

Continue for updates.

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Fangio Joining Bears

Tuesday, Jan. 20

The Bears confirmed Fangio will be their team's new defensive coordinator:

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports provided more details:

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Fangio to Leave Washington Without a Deal

Sunday, Jan. 18

Mike Jones of The Washington Post reported that Fangio is not expected to sign with Washington at this time:

ESPN's John Kleim reported earlier on Sunday that Fangio was already expected to meet with the Redskins again:

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The Washington Redskins will meet again Sunday with Vic Fangio about their vacant defensive coordinator position, after getting together with him Saturday night. 

But Sunday's meeting was always part of the plan, so it's tough to say how much momentum there is yet for a deal. Clearly, there's serious interest on both sides. Fangio had dinner with team officials Saturday, and the longer interview will take place Sunday. 

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On Saturday, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the Redskins met with Fangio and the team has "very serious intent." On Friday, Mark Maske of The Washington Post first reported the Redskins would interview the former 49ers coach.

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Fangio Draws Interest From Multiple Teams

Friday, Jan. 16

According to Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Fangio was among the coaches that San Francisco let go:

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Bears are also looking to speak with Fangio about their vacant defensive coordinator position:

The writing for Fangio's future in San Francisco was on the wall after the 49ers announced that Jim Tomsula was named the team's next head coach. Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group reported that Fangio wasn't likely to stay as defensive coordinator:

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Vic Fangio not expected to remain #49ers DC under new coach Jim Tomsula, per league source. Fangio had phenomenal 4-year run

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 14, 2015"

In an offseason where the 49ers have undergone many drastic changes already, losing Fangio is a significant blow for the defense. Since he took over in 2011, the franchise hasn't finished lower than fifth in total defense and 10th in points allowed. 

Fangio was a candidate to be San Francisco's head coach after he reportedly interviewed for the job soon after the regular season ended. He had a lot of support from players on the roster, like NaVorro Bowman, via Inman:

Once the 49ers opted to go in a different direction, Fangio was left in a lurch. He's got the credentials to make any defense instantly better. Just look what he did in 2014 with NaVorro Bowman and Glenn Dorsey not playing a snap, Patrick Willis missing most of the season and Aldon Smith suspended for nine games. 

Both sides found the right opportunity to move on. Fangio gets a clean break from San Francisco with no fight from the organization, while Tomsula can bring in the staff that he believes will get this franchise back to where it was in the three years before 2014. 

It seems to have worked out fine for Fangio, who is already drawing his share of suitors. Chicago and Washington may not have as much talent on defense as San Francisco did over the last four years, but he's shown the ability to work with a group to maximize everything they do well and hide what doesn't work.