The Chicago Bears may have their sights set on their next defensive coordinator to fill in for Vic Fangio after he just recently accepted the head coaching job for the Denver Broncos. Former New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles has emerged as Fangio's replacement, despite recent reports that Bowles is going to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator.

Bowles is a fantastic defensive minded coach and a reunion with Bruce Arians sounds great, but there's no question which team possesses the more talented defense. The Bears defense is a dream come true for a defensive coordinator. They are a Super Bowl caliber unit that just needs an offense to match their level of elite capability.

Article Continues Below
More Chicago Bears News
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions from the media during the NFL Annual League Meeting.
Bears’ Ben Johnson gives training camp injury update for star rookieJosh Davis ·
Jun 3, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks to pass the ball during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Ben Johnson gets honest on Caleb Williams’ progressZachary Draves ·
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet next to Colston Loveland. There is also a logo for the Chicago Bears.
3 Bears veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025Ben Strauss ·
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) makes a catch against Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the second half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.
Rome Odunze’s hardest part of first year to inspire confidenceMalik Brown ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts following a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
When Aaron Rodgers will face Packers, Bears in 2025 NFL seasonJake Faigus ·
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) looks on during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall.
Insider reveals Bears Ben Johnson’s massive 2-week impact on Caleb WilliamsJake Faigus ·

The Buccaneers defense will likely be a long work in progress for any defensive coordinator going forward. Bowles once coached the Arizona Cardinals defense a handful of years ago and they were a top unit each year under Bowles. Arians and Bowles were a fantastic combination in Arizona, but Arians' hiatus and Bowles' head coaching opportunity with the Jets closed the book in Arizona.

It would be an easy transition for the Bears with Bowles calling the plays, and his vision would line up very well with where Chicago is at. Bears head coach Matt Nagy has a long connection with Bowles which could lure him over to Chicago. Considering how great of a season the Bears had in 2018, it shouldn't take a whole lot of convincing for Bowles, in addition to the rich history of great Bears defenses over the years.