Bears hire Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator

The Chicago Bears have hired Vic Fangio as their next defensive coordinator, the team announced.

The hire should be a massive upgrade for the Bears, as they land one of the league's most respected defensive minds to pair with new head coach John Fox, in hopes of immediately addressing the team's struggles on that side of the ball.

The Bears ranked 30th in total defense each of the past two seasons, leading to a disappointing 5-11 record in 2014 and a complete overhaul of the coaching staff.

Fangio spent the past four seasons as the defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, overseeing a unit that ranked among the NFL's top five in each season.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, former 49ers secondary coach Ed Donatell is expected to join Fangio's staff in Chicago.

Mel Tucker, the Bears defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, was let go following the announcement.