Stokley: Donatell will be Fangio’s ‘eyes’ as Broncos def. coordinator

In his nearly two decades of experience as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, Vic Fangio only called plays from the sidelines one season, telling “Stokley and Zach” last week that there’s “no denying” his preference is to be in the box above the field.

But venturing out into the uncharted waters of being a first-time head coach, Fangio turned to long-time assistant Ed Donatell as his defensive coordinator to lean on in a variety of ways, including being his eyes in the booth during games.

“There are a lot more things that he has to do now. It’s not only defensive football; he’s a head coach,” said “Stokley and Zach” co-host Brandon Stokley. “So, there are a lot of other things that he has to plan for and will consume his days and hours. It’s not just defensive football.

“So, Ed Donatell will help him game-plan and he’ll be his eyes.”

Donatell, who returns for his third stint with the Broncos, has worked under Fangio as a defensive backs coach for the past eight seasons, both with the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers.

“Having worked very closely with him for a number of years, Ed has a strong understanding of the entire defense from the front end to the back end with the defensive backs being his specialty,” said Fangio via a team release.

“He’s a very good teacher and believes in the fundamentals in the classroom and on the field. We’re thrilled to add Ed to our coaching staff and welcome him back to the Broncos.”

Stokley called the hiring of Donatell “great,” but he and his co-host, Zach Bye, both expressed reservations about how Fangio will handle his new role, especially being on the sideline for the first time in a long time.

“The coach is more comfortable in the box, where he likes to be, and now you’re going to ask him to not only be a head coach for the first time but change the entire look of a football game?” Bye said. “And I’ve got to tell you, it is incredibly unsettling.”

Said Stokley: “I feel optimistic about it. But at the same time, we’ve never seen him operate like this. So, there should be a little trepidation.”

But, in the end, that’s why Stokley believes Fangio tapped Donatell, because of their relationship and trust between each other.

“I’ve got to have complete confidence in him that what he’s telling me is what’s happening. And when he gives me adjustments and when he gives me suggestions, I know, boom, I trust this guy,” Stokley said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.