Donatell was hired by new Broncos head coach Vic Fangio to work alongside him as Denver's defensive coordinator, a source confirmed Tuesday evening. The news was first reported by Mike Klis of 9News in Denver.
The move means Chicago has yet another opening on its defensive coaching staff, which is now led by new coordinator Chuck Pagano. Fangio had been the Bears defensive coordinator for the past four years before leaving for his first head coaching job.
The Bears interviewed Donatell for their defensive coordinator position last Thursday before bringing in Pagano to interview Friday. The team then tabbed Pagano that evening to lead its top-ranked scoring defense, leaving Donatell to explore other options with his contract in Chicago expired.
Donatell, 61, has worked as the defensive backs coach under Fangio since 2011, with four years apiece spent in San Francisco and Chicago. The Bears led the NFL with 27 interceptions this past season, including 21 from the defensive backs. Donatell's unit had two All-Pro players in safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Kyle Fuller.
Coach Matt Nagy described the situation with Donatell as fluid during the Bears' season-ending press conference at Halas Hall on Monday.
"We’re working through that process right now," Nagy said. "There’s a possibility (Donatell returns). But he was out of contract, so he has a decision to make.
"I have a ton of respect for him, and it’s mutual between both of us. We’re working through that."
Nagy offered Pagano full autonomy of the Bears' defense, the same as he did with Fangio during their year working together. Pagano opted to not retain outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley, who was officially hired by Fangio in Denver on Tuesday morning. Inside linebackers coach Glenn Pires and assistant defensive backs coach Roy Anderson will also not be retained, according to multiple reports.
The Bears have yet to officially make hires to their defensive staff, which appears to be undergoing an overhaul under Pagano's watch.