Chicago Bears defensive coordinator history
Eric Washington
Washington is the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears since the 2024 season. Washington's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 4-11-0, making him the second-least successful defensive coordinator in Chicago Bears history.
Alan Williams
Williams was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2022-2023 seasons, a total of two years. Williams' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 3-16-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in Chicago Bears history.
Sean Desai
Desai was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2021 season. Desai's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 6-11-0, making him the third-least successful defensive coordinator in Chicago Bears history.
Chuck Pagano
Pagano was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2019-2020 seasons, a total of two years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2020) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Pagano in playoff games.
Vic Fangio
Fangio was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2015-2018 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2018) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Fangio in playoff games.
Mel Tucker
Tucker was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2013-2014 seasons, a total of two years.
Rod Marinelli
Marinelli was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2010-2012 seasons, a total of three years. Marinelli's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 29-19-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in Chicago Bears history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2010) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Marinelli in playoff games.
Bob Babich
Babich was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2007-2009 seasons, a total of three years.
Ron Rivera
Rivera was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 2004-2006 seasons, a total of three years. Rivera's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 29-19-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in Chicago Bears history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2005-2006) and had a 2-2 record under Coach Rivera in playoff games. In 2006, the Chicago Bears faced off against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI and the Bears, under the direction of head coach Lovie Smith, lost 17-29.
Greg Blache
Blache was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 1999-2003 seasons, a total of five years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2001) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Blache in playoff games.
Bob Slowik
Slowik was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 1993-1998 seasons, a total of six years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1994) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Slowik in playoff games.
Vince Tobin
Tobin was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 1986-1992 seasons, a total of seven years. Tobin's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 70-41-0, making him the most successful defensive coordinator in Chicago Bears history. The team made it to the playoffs five times (1986-1988, 1990-1991) and had a 2-5 record under Coach Tobin in playoff games.
Buddy Ryan
Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 1978-1985 seasons, a total of eight years. The team made it to the playoffs three times (1979, 1984-1985) and had a 4-2 record under Coach Ryan in playoff games. In 1985, the Chicago Bears faced off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX and the Bears, under the direction of head coach Mike Ditka, won 46-10.
Joe Fortunato
Fortunato was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 1968 season.
George Allen
Allen was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 1962-1965 seasons, a total of four years. Allen's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 34-20-2, making him the second-most successful defensive coordinator in Chicago Bears history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1963) and had a 1-0 record under Coach Allen in playoff games.
Clark Shaughnessy
Shaughnessy was the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in the 1959-1962 seasons, a total of four years.
Chicago Bears defensive coordinator record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Washington | 2024 | 4-11-0 | 26.7% | 0-0 |
| Alan Williams | 2022-2023 | 3-16-0 | 15.8% | 0-0 |
| Sean Desai | 2021 | 6-11-0 | 35.3% | 0-0 |
| Chuck Pagano | 2019-2020 | 16-16-0 | 50.0% | 0-1 |
| Vic Fangio | 2015-2018 | 26-38-0 | 40.6% | 0-1 |
| Mel Tucker | 2013-2014 | 13-19-0 | 40.6% | 0-0 |
| Rod Marinelli | 2010-2012 | 29-19-0 | 60.4% | 1-1 |
| Bob Babich | 2007-2009 | 23-25-0 | 47.9% | 0-0 |
| Ron Rivera | 2004-2006 | 29-19-0 | 60.4% | 2-2 |
| Greg Blache | 1999-2003 | 35-45-0 | 43.8% | 0-1 |
| Bob Slowik | 1993-1998 | 40-56-0 | 41.7% | 1-1 |
| Vince Tobin | 1986-1992 | 70-41-0 | 63.1% | 2-5 |
| Buddy Ryan | 1978-1985 | 66-55-0 | 54.5% | 4-2 |
| Joe Fortunato | 1968 | 7-7-0 | 50.0% | 0-0 |
| George Allen | 1962-1965 | 34-20-2 | 62.5% | 1-0 |
| Clark Shaughnessy | 1959-1962 | 30-21-1 | 58.7% | 0-0 |
Chicago Bears defensive coordinator facts
- Clark Shaughnessy was the first defensive coordinator in Bears history in 1959.
- Buddy Ryan coached the most seasons as the Bears's defensive coordinator at eight seasons.
- Eric Washington is the current defensive coordinator, starting ahead of the 2024 season.