MOBILE, Ala. — John Fox decided against heading to Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl’s practice week in order to work on his coaching staff.
And it didn’t take long for the first moves to be made.
Following the addition of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Bears named Sam Garnes assistant defensive backs coach, Dave Magazu offensive line coach and Derius Swinton II assistant teams coach on Tuesday.
The Bears also announced that tight ends coach Andy Bischoff, linebackers coach Reggie Herring and assistant special teams coach Dwayne Stukes would not be returning in 2015. According to sources, they were informed on Monday.
Garnes, Magazu and Swinton were part of Fox’s Broncos staff.
Magazu is the most experienced, spending the past 12 years with Fox in Carolina and Denver, including the last four seasons as the Broncos’ offensive line coach. He coaches three Pro Bowl players: guard Zane Beadles (2012), tackle Ryan Clady (2011, 2012 and 2014) and guard Louis Vasquez (2013).
Garnes, a former safety, played five seasons under Fox when he was the defensive coordinator of the Giants (1997-2001). Garnes, who also played for the Jets, was the Broncos’ assistant secondary/safeties coach the last four seasons.
Swinton has six years of NFL experience coaching special teams, which includes the last two as an assistant under Broncos coordinator Jeff Rodgers.
Coaching carousel
Former Bears special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis was hired to the same position with the Broncos. DeCamillis was replaced by Rodgers, who was Denver’s special-teams coordinator the last four seasons.
According to a source, DeCamillis and former defensive coordinator Mel Tucker were the first assistants from coach Marc Trestman’s staff informed that they would not be returning.
Quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh’s contract expires and he’s not expected to return.
The rest of the staff, including receivers coach Mike Groh and assistant defensive line coach Clint Hurtt, remain under contract for the time being.
Most of Trestman’s former staff is in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl’s practice week. Former general manager Phil Emery also is in attendance.
Big battle looms
In one of the local highlights of the Senior Bowl’s practice week, Iowa defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat and Duke guard Laken Tomlinson will spar for the first time in years on Wednesday.
Trinca-Pasat and Tomlinson, who are both from Rogers Park, were teammates at Lane Tech. They never played against each other in college and are North Team in the Senior Bowl.
“It’s going to come down to one-on-ones [in practice],” Trinca-Pasat said.
“You should get a special treat,” Tomlinson said. “I’m going to step into his world a little and I’m sure he’s going to try to come into my world.”
Email: ajahns@suntimes.com
Twitter: @adamjahns
