The Chicago Bears have found their new defensive coordinator in Sean Desai, who served as Chicago’s safeties coach for the last two seasons. He’s been with the Bears since 2013, where he served as a quality control assistant.
The Bears ultimately decided to promote from within rather than look elsewhere, which not only allows them to avoid an overhaul on the defensive staff but also gives a young, rising star and opportunity to lead a talented defense.
Desai has already been receiving a ton of praise. Here’s what people around the league, including former players, media and even Matt Nagy, have to say about Desai’s promotion to defensive coordinator.
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Bears head coach released a statement on Desai’s promotion, where he said there’s no one “more deserving to lead our defense” than Desai.
“He is a person of high football intelligence, extremely detail-oriented, has a very strong work ethic and I cannot think of someone more deserving to lead our defense.”
– Chicago Bears HC Matt Nagy on new DC Sean Desai(Via Bears website)
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) January 23, 2021
“We are very fortunate and excited to promote from within and announce Sean Desai has been named defensive coordinator for our football team,” Nagy said in a statement. “He is a person of high football intelligence, extremely detail-oriented, has a very strong work ethic and I cannot think of someone more deserving to lead our defense.
“Sean is a family man of high character and the respect he has within our building from coaches, players and staff is unparalleled.”
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Former Bears linebacker Sam Acho has been advocating for Desai to be promoted to defensive coordinator for awhile now, and now it happened. Acho says that the defense “took a step in the right direction” with Desai’s promotion and to “expect more of what you saw in 2018 but w/ his own flavor.”
HUGE hire for the Chicago Bears. Congrats to Sean Desai on becoming the next Bears Defensive Coordinator. They’ve got some holes fill at D line coach and offensive skill coaches, but this is a step in the right direction. Expect more of what you saw in 2018 but w/ his own flavor
— Sam Acho (@TheSamAcho) January 22, 2021
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Former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long admires Desai for working his way up to defensive coordinator. Long said “nobody knows the personnel” in Chicago like Desai, who is the longest-tenured assistant on the Bears. One that also worked under former Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Desai is the man – my rookie year he drew the cards for the scout defense i believe. He then ran scout meetings – worked his way up. Always the same guy too
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) January 22, 2021
I’m not saying Desai is a lock to be a top tier coordinator but nobody knows the personnel like Desai – also knows Chicago well
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) January 22, 2021
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Acho had plenty of praise for Desai, which had a lot to do with his involvement with Fangio over the years. He was essentially “Fangio’s right hand man” for four years and “helped craft defense to greatness.” Which certainly bodes well for Chicago in 2021.
The Bears don’t have to look far for their next DC. Sean Desai has been ready for that role for years. He was Vic Fangio’s right hand man for 4 years, & helped craft that defense to greatness. Smart, talented, knows ball and has all the credentials. All he needs is an opportunity
— Sam Acho (@TheSamAcho) January 18, 2021
AP Photo/Craig Lassig
ESPN commentator and general manager candidate Louis Riddick had nothing but good things to say about Desai. “Great teacher, has coached under some great mentors, great communicator, well respected by the players.” But, as goes with a lot of rising stars, he “just needed the opportunity.” Now, he has it.
Have been on the phone talking about this young man. “Great teacher, has coached under some great mentors, great communicator, well respected by the players…just needed the opportunity”. Worked his way up and earned it. Pulling for him ! 👊🏾 https://t.co/iIWKkPMANV
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) January 23, 2021
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky used to be a teammate of Desai’s back in high school, so he’s gotten to see Desai’s rise. He also called Desai a “brilliant mind.”
Played HS football with new @ChicagoBears DC Sean Desai. Beyond proud of him. Chased his dream and believed in himself. Brilliant mind. Put on his time. So excited for him man!!
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 22, 2021
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Reporter Anthony Herron discussed what Desai’s promotion could mean for the Bears, which he said should bode well for “evaluating, developing and utilizing talented young players.”
Spoke earlier with @dan_bernstein & @leilarahimi about what promoting Sean Desai to DC could mean for the Bears. Evaluating, developing, and utilizing talented young players or coaches hasn’t been their strength. Maybe this move will show improvement there. https://t.co/8IFwLm5fXu
— Anthony Herron (@BigAntHerron) January 22, 2021
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
No doubt one of the reasons Desai got the job was his reputation in the organization. Bears reporter Zack Pearson said Desai is “very well respected within the organization. Very smart man.”
As you can see by former players, Desai is very well respected within the organization. Very smart man. Have been able to talk to him in pressers and came away impressed with his attention to detail. #Bears
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) January 22, 2021
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The Bears simply could’ve looked for an experienced defensive coordinator elsewhere and had to introduce a new defensive scheme. Instead, they promoted from within, which The Athletic’s Robert Mays said “put a new, deserving coach into the coordinator pool” with Desai.
This is the sort of DC hire that @SandoNFL and I were talking about this week on the Athletic Football Show. Rather than recycling another status quo choice, the Bears promoted someone who’s worked his way up and put a new, deserving coach into the coordinator pool. https://t.co/It43nfQMSU
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) January 23, 2021
