ATLANTA (AP) — For his work as defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, Vic Fangio got the head coaching gig in Denver.
He also won The Associated Press 2018 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year Award on Saturday.
Fangio guided the latest version of the “Monsters of the Midway” to a third-place ranking on defense and first against the run. He helped edge rusher Khalil Mack, cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Eddie Jackson become All-Pros. Chicago allowed a league-low 283 points.
Soon after the Bears were eliminated in the wild-card round by the Eagles, Fangio was hired by the Broncos.
Fangio received 25 votes from a nationwide panel of media members who regularly cover the league. That was far ahead of Baltimore defensive coordinator Don Martindale, who got nine in balloting announced at NFL Honors.
Indianapolis DC Matt Eberflus was next with seven votes, while Seattle offensive line coach Mike Solari and Cleveland offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, now the team’s head coach, each got two. Receiving one vote were Seahawks OC Brian Schottenheimer, Browns DC Gregg Williams, Colts O-line coach Dave DeGuglielmo, Cowboys DC Kris Richard and Saints DC Dennis Allen.
