The Broncos interviewed Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for their vacant head-coaching position Monday.
“If he wants to be a head coach one day, we want him to take a job to be a head coach,” Bears safety Adrian Amos said Monday. “Everybody just wishes him well.”
Fangio is the fifth coach the Broncos have interviewed for Vance Joseph’s old job. The others: Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor, Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores, Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak and former Colts coach Chuck Pagano.
Fangio, 60, had interviewed for only three other head-coaching jobs in his 32-year NFL career: with the Chargers in 1997, the 49ers in 2015 and the Bears last year.
RELATED
• Despite heartbreak, Bears’ arrow pointing up heading into 2019
• Five final takeaways from the Bears’ 2018 season
The Dolphins were interested but never scheduled an interview, according to NFL Network.
Fangio, who met with Broncos officials Monday morning, was spotted back at Halas Hall — in his trademark gray sweatshirt — by lunchtime. He was scheduled to go to dinner with Broncos general manager John Elway, according to 9News in Denver.
“I say this positively: Just knowing that he’s not getting younger — with him, if he aspires to be a head coach, I would say that his time is now,” cornerback Prince Amukamara said. “And he’s worked hard to put himself in a position to be sought after, as he is.
“Of course, as a defensive group and I’m sure everyone in this organization would love for him to stay and not go and get interviews. But we do understand that this could be something, a goal that he’s aspired to achieve. I support him. But also, selfishly, I would love for him to stay.”
After the Bears’ 16-15 wild-card loss to the Eagles, outside linebacker Khalil Mack spoke about Fangio with reverence.
“Not speaking too soon — it was an honor for me,” he said. “Understand where he’s been and how long he’s been coaching and the guys he’s coached. Just seeing the things that he was able to do with the group of guys we had was very impressive. Whatever happens, kudos to him.”