Category: 2021 season

Chuck Pagano issues statement following retirement

Chicago will be on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator following an announcement that Chuck Pagano is retiring after 36 years coaching.

The Chicago Bears will be on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator following an official announcement that Chuck Pagano is retiring after 18 years coaching in the NFL.

Pagano served as Chicago’s defensive coordinator from 2019-20, where he led a Bears defense that ranked among the top 10 in both years. Pagano replaced Vic Fangio, who went on to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos following the 2018 season.

In two seasons under Pagano, the Bears defense ranked fourth in the NFL in points allowed (18.6 per game) and eighth in yards (324.1) in 2019 and 13th in points (23.0) and 11th in yards (347.3) in 2020.

Pagano released a statement through ChicagoBears.com, where he thanked the Bears organization, as well the Indianapolis Colts organization, which supported him through his battle with leukemia.

“After 36 years of coaching the game I love, I have decided to retire from the National Football League,” Pagano said in a statement.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the McCaskey family, Ted Phillips, Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing organization. Also, many thanks to the Irsay family and the Colts organization. I am forever grateful to that community and to the support they have always given me both on and off the field. I’d also like to thank all the coaches, players and staff throughout my career. Thank you will never be enough to express my gratitude.

“As much as I love coaching, it takes a lot of time away from your family and loved ones. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life and can’t wait to be able to spend more time with my family. This has been an amazing ride and I have made countless relationships that I will cherish forever.”

Bears head coach Matt Nagy also commented on Pagano’s retirement, noting that Pagano broke the news to him on Tuesday morning.

“I did not know Chuck at all prior to these last two years,” Nagy said, “and what he’s brought to us and what he’s taught us—everybody in our family here—is second to none. For him to come to me [Tuesday] morning and break the news to me and just say it’s time to call it a career and he’s going to walk away, he’s sacrificed, his family’s sacrificed so much for him and now it’s time for him to sacrifice for them. He’s at total peace with it, and so I just think again thank you coach for that and he’s going to be a great grandad and enjoy that family time.”

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What is going on with the secrecy involving Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy’s contracts?

Bears brass declined to answer a simple question – how long does Ryan Pace’s contract run through? Which certainly raises some questions.

The Chicago Bears held an end of the season press conference that included the team President and CEO Ted Phillips, Chairman George McCaskey, general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy.

Following some uncertainty about the futures of Pace and Nagy, the Bears confirmed that they will be retained in 2021. When Phillips was asked about how long their contracts run through, he declined to answer that question.

“The contracts really aren’t part of this discussion,” Phillips said. “Ryan and Matt both know that when improvement is show, they’ll take care of themselves. I’d like to leave that at that comment.”

The belief is that Nagy still has two years remaining on his deal, and Pace is effectively signed through 2022. Pace signed a three-year extension back in 2018 that ran through the 2021 season. But it’s unknown whether Chicago quietly signed Pace to a one-year extension to link his and Nagy’s contracts, which would effectively run through 2022.

When Pace was asked the same question regarding the length of his contract,  he declined to answer.

“I respect the question and totally get why you’re asking it, but it’s no different than player contracts,” Pace told reporters. “For us, honestly, the entire focus – and you got to believe me when I say this – the whole focus is on getting this team and doing what’s best for it. It’s not about our contracts. It’s about what’s best for the team, and if you just keep it that simple – talking about contracts, to me, that’s selfish way to look at things. To me, it’s about what’s best for our football team and simply that’s all that matters.

“That’s just a non-factor in anything we’re doing.”

But the Bears did confirm that neither Pace or Nagy received received a contract extension, a clear indication that their jobs are very much on the line in 2021.

After having a disappointing 8-8 season, it felt like the Bears would go in a different direction. However, during the press conference, it was made apparent that they have at least one more year to turn things around.

Phillips believes the Bears have the right culture for the organization, McCaskey loves the leadership and Nagy and Pace feel comfortable with the players they have on the roster. Also, they feel comfortable that they will make the right decision on dealing with Mitchell Trubisky or getting their fourth quarterback.

This wasn’t the press conference fans and players were looking for. Yesterday, people didn’t know what the Bears would be doing this offseason, and although it was made more clear on Wednesday, it’s not exactly reassuring.

While Bears fans know what to expect in 2021 — at least in regard to Pace and Nagy staying the course — it certainly doesn’t help assuage concerns about the direction of this franchise considering the results of the previous two seasons.

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Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy are officially back for the 2021 season

Both Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy know they are fortunate to be back with the Bears and plan to make the most of this opportunity.

On Wednesday morning, the Chicago Bears confirmed what many had been reporting since Tuesday night when they officially announced general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy would be returning for another season.

In a press conference with the Chicago media, chairman George McCaskey and president and CEO Ted Phillips announced the decision to retain Pace and Nagy, despite underperforming the last two seasons when they went 16-16 in the regular season.

“I was impressed with both of them,” McCaskey told the media. “The decisions we’re announcing today may not be the easiest, or the most popular. But we believe they’re the best decisions for the Bears.”

Phillips, who has been the team’s president since 1999, believes they have the right culture in place to be a winning franchise.

“When you sit back and look at what makes a successful organization, besides wins and losses, it’s the people,” Phillips said.

Both McCaskey and Phillips declined to confirm how many years remained on Pace and Nagy’s contracts, despite being pressed by the media.

Pace, who has been the team’s general manager since 2015 after coming over from the New Orleans Saints, has a record of 42-54 and just one season with a record over .500. The Bears made the postseason twice during his tenure, but lost in the wildcard round in each appearance, including this year when they fell to the Saints 21-9. His offseason moves have been defined by misses at the quarterback position, most notably when he drafted Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft in 2017.

Nagy, meanwhile, has a record of 28-20 since becoming the team’s head coach three years ago after coming over from the Kansas City Chiefs. He’s fallen off, however, after his first season when he went 12-4 season that resulted in a division title. Since then, his offense has become stagnant and he’s failed to develop Trubisky into a franchise quarterback.

Both Pace and Nagy know they are fortunate to be back and plan to make the most of this opportunity.

“Ownership has given us an opportunity, they’ve given us all the resources we can ask for and now it’s on us to prove them right,” Pace said.

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Twitter reacts to Ryan Pace, Matt Nagy press conference

Naturally, Twitter had plenty to say about Pace and Nagy’s press conference, including concerns about anything changing with this regime.

The Chicago Bears made it official that general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy will be returning to the team in 2021. The collaborative partners addressed the media in their annual end-of-year press conference, where they fielded an array of questions from the media.

As usual, there wasn’t much to be learned from their press conference instead of continued promises of turning things around, the importance of culture and the collaboration between Pace and Nagy.

Naturally, Twitter had plenty to say about Pace and Nagy’s press conference, including a lack of accountability, concerns about anything changing with this regime and the outlook of this franchise.

Bears target QB in first round of Sporting News’ 2021 mock draft

Chicago needs to address the QB position this offseason, where they’ll likely be drafting a young QB in the draft. Could it be Mac Jones?

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The Chicago Bears have wrapped up their 2020 campaign, which means the attention turns to an important offseason. It sounds like the Bears will be retaining head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace, which means there are plenty of important decisions that they have to make in what’s essentially a win-or-get-axed season for the pair.

One of those decisions includes addressing a quarterback situation that continues to hold this team back. With Mitchell Trubisky likely gone after this season — barring the team bringing him back on a short-term deal — Pace will get another crack at drafting a quarterback — and possibly with a first-round pick.

Nothing to worry about, right?

In a new Sporting News 2021 NFL mock draft, Vinnie Iyer has the Bears selecting Alabama quarterback Mac Jones with the 20th overall pick.

Jones has been the complete package in leading the Tide, having a Joe Burrow-style breakout with his accuracy, big arm and downfield production, racking up jaw-dropping passing totals in the process to make the most of top receivers. Jones’ strong pocket passing should have great appeal as a big mental and physical upgrade over Mitchell Trubisky. If Jones isn’t available, the Bears should look for different offensive help instead of going for Florida’s Kyle Trask.

The Bears didn’t do themselves any favors winning three games at the conclusion of the regular season, which only dropped them further down in the draft order. Now, Chicago is in no man’s land at No. 20, which doesn’t give them a lot of options at the quarterback position.

There are six top quarterback prospects that will be on many teams’ radars, including Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Kyle Trask and Jones. Lawrence, Fields, Wilson and Lance will most likely be gone before the 20th pick, especially with plenty of teams that could be looking to draft a young quarterback.

If Jones, who won a National Championship with Alabama this year, were to fall to No. 20, you’d imagine it would be hard for Pace to not pull the trigger.

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Bears will hold press conference with George McCaskey, Ted Phillips, Ryan Pace, Matt Nagy Wednesday morning

We’ll soon learn what the men in charge with turning this Bears franchise around have to say following a disappointing 8-9 season.

The Chicago Bears will hold an end-of-year press conference with Chairman George McCaskey, President and CEO Ted Phillips, general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy at 10 a.m. CT on Wednesday.

It’s expected that the Bears will officially announce that they’re retaining Pace and Nagy in 2021, which was reported on Monday night. The one question remains Phillips, who many speculated could be removed or, at the very least, moved from football operations.

We’ll soon learn what the men in charge with turning this franchise around have to say following a disappointing 8-8 season that ended with a wild-card playoff loss.

The press conference will be streamed live on ChicagoBears.com and on the Bears app.

Stay tuned to Bears Wire for continuing coverage.

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Twitter reacts to Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace’s likely return to Bears in 2021

Naturally, Twitter had plenty to say about the expectation that Nagy and Pace will be back in 2021. And most of it is far from encouraged.

The Chicago Bears have an offseason ahead of them with some important decisions to make. Following defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano’s retirement, it sounds like we have some clarity on the Bears’ front office.

Make no mistake, the Bears once again underperformed at 8-8 despite a playoff appearance. And yet, it sounds like Bears brass have all the confidence in the world in the front office to turn things around.

There have been multiple reports around the league that the Bears will retain head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace in 2021, which is a surprise given the Bears lost six straight games just one month ago.

And yet, it sounds like Bears Chairman George McCaskey has seen enough to assure him that they can finally — finally –turn things around in 2021 just long enough to draft the wrong quarterback again and stumble to a 8-8 record to possibly save their jobs in 2022.

Sound familiar?

Naturally, Twitter had plenty to say about the expectation that Nagy and Pace will be back in 2021. And most of it, as you’d imagine, is not pleased.

https://twitter.com/mattnewts/status/1349160465490964482?s=20

Twitter reacts to Bears DC Chuck Pagano’s retirement

Bears fans had plenty to say about news of Chuck Pagano retiring after serving as Chicago’s defensive coordinator for two years.

The first domino of the 2021 Chicago Bears offseason fell on Tuesday evening when it was reported that defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano will be retiring at age 60 after spending 20 years in the NFL.

Pagano, who spent the last two seasons as the team’s defensive coordinator, took over for Vic Fangio when he accepted a head coaching position with the Denver Broncos. The former Indianapolis Colts head coach inherited a talented unit led by players such as outside linebacker Khalil Mack, defensive end Akiem Hicks, and safety Eddie Jackson.

In two seasons, the Bears defense regressed under Pagano and did not live up the standards set back in 2018. While they didn’t bottom out, they failed to build on their previous success and teams were able to beat the schemes put in place despite having multiple Pro Bowlers at his disposal.

When the news came out, Bears fans had plenty to say on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MyColtsAccount/status/1349158361384841216

Report: Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy expected to return in 2021

Multiple reports out of Halas Hall indicate both Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy will not be fired and are expected to return to the Bears in 2021.

For the last two days, Chicago Bears fans have been pacing back and forth, wondering what the team will do with general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy heading into the offseason. It appears the answer is about to be revealed.

Multiple reports coming out of Halas Hall indicate both Pace and Nagy will not be fired and are expected to return to the Bears for the 2021 NFL season. The news was first reported as a rumor by The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs and later confirmed by Dan Wiederer, also of the Tribune.

The report comes nearly 48 hours after the Bears were defeated by the New Orleans Saints 21-9 in the playoffs, their second trip to the postseason in three seasons.

Pace, who has been the team’s general manager since 2015, has overseen just one season in which the team finished with over .500 since being hired by the Bears. He hired Nagy back in 2018, who has compiled a regular season record of 28-20, but has coached the team to back-to-back .500 seasons. Nagy also suffered through a six-game losing streak this past year.

Keep checking Bears Wire as this story continues to develop.

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Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano is retiring

The Bears will be on the hunt for a new defensive coordinator for the second time in three years as Chuck Pagano is retiring.

The Chicago Bears will be in the market for a new defensive coordinator this offseason for the second time in three years.

According to Ian Rapoport and Chuck Pagano, Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano has decided to retire.

Pagano served as Chicago’s defensive coordinator over the past two seasons, where his defense ranked among the top 10 in the league. But considering this was the NFL’s top defense under Vic Fangio in 2018, Pagano’s unit fell short of expectations.

Whether it’s Matt Nagy that will be the one deciding on Pagano’s replacement remains to be seen as there’s still some uncertainty about the fates of Nagy, general manager Ryan Pace and president Ted Phillips.

Although, according to The Athletic’s Adam Jahns, it sounds like the expectation is that Pace and Nagy will be retained in 2021.

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