Chuck Pagano had a largely successful run as the head coach of the Colts, but he’s not interested in taking that title again in his career, as ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson writes. The Bears’ new defensive coordinator says he’s excited for his fresh challenge and doesn’t anticipate wanting an HC job after the 2019 season. 
“I’m not. I’ve done it,” Pagano at his introductory presser. “I’m motivated to just help coach Matt Nagy be successful. Help this organization be successful. Help these kids grow and develop. That’s my motivation is to be the best I can be for this organization, for the McCaskey family, for Coach Nagy and for these players and for these coaches and help develop these guys. That’s the only thing I want to do.”
The Bears hired Pagano earlier this month to replace Vic Fangio after he left to become head coach of the Broncos. It’s unquestionably a great opportunity for Pagano as he’ll be handed the keys to one of the league’s most talented defenses. He’ll have a great deal of freedom and creative control too as head coach Matt Nagy puts the bulk of his focus on the offense.
“Our vision for this defense is to be the best,” Pagano said. “Can we be the best in the history of the game? The pieces are there, and they will continue to add pieces. Can we continue to be better than we were last year? Absolutely. It’s going to be very, very difficult and a huge challenge, but one we will be up for.”
For what it’s worth, Pagano interviewed with the Broncos and Packers for their HC openings in this past cycle, so a change of heart may not be out of the question.
As a Bears fan, this is extremely refreshing to hear. Pagano is right up there with Fangio, in terms of quality.
If the Bears do well under him (which I’m sure they will), we’d have the same exact problem next year — of him getting poached by another team.
Nice to hear him shut this down, right out of the gate! The Bears are primed for a dynasty-like run. They needs stability in all coaching positions.
What do you expect for him to say at the introductory press conference – “I’m just here to keep the seat warm!!”
Fun fact – Pagano NEVER held the position of head coach or defensive coordinator for more than 1 year until the Colts gig.
His prior attempts:
Defensive Coordinator – UNLV (1991) – team finished 4-7
Defensive Coordinator – North Carolina (2007) – team finished 4-8
Defensive Coordinator – Ravens (2011) – team finished 12-4 (hired by Colts)
Nevertheless, I expect the Bears defense to be excellent again next year based on the number of talented players on the defensive side of the ball.
He definitively said he doesn’t ever want to be a head coach in his career…..ever again.
If he was at least slightly still interested, he definitely wouldn’t word it in this definitive way.
Then why did he interview for head coaching jobs this year?
I think you have to frame his choice of words in the context of the day. This was a “Welcome to the Bears” moment.
If a favorable head coaching job became available next year and if there were rumors that the team was interested in Chuck, he would definitely interview with them. I know that Harbaugh just signed an extension – but if he had to step down due to a health concern or whatnot, are you telling me that Chuck wouldn’t jump at the chance to “go back home” to the Ravens as Head Coach? And there are more teams that you can make these special connections to.
Preach brother. Bear down
Great hire by Pace and Nagy. Now cut Parkey sign Gould , trade Howard for some draft capital and sign Hunt. After that we are in pretty damn good shape heading into 2019 season
They’re not bringing back the original RGIII to kick. Invite 10 Undrafted FAs to camp and go from there. Bound to find someone.
I would like to join in the optimism of fellow Bear fans but I don’t see what is so special about Pagano. The Colts always had second rate defenses while he was there. Sure he’s a better choice than some guys that got hired but I expect our defense to regress. Let’s not kid ourselves into thinking the Packers and Vikings are going to struggle for years.
How much upside do the Packers really have?
We hate them but we should still respect them. We haven’t beat them back to back since 2007. They are now one of the leagues youngest teams so they will have to take some baby steps at first just as we had to do recently. They have about double the cap space we do going into next season.