John Fox promised the Chicago Bears would build a winning defense, and his first major hire with the team could be a step in that direction.

The new head coach of the Bears interviewed Vic Fangio on Saturday and the two sides were close to finishing a deal Tuesday. Fangio was released from his contract with the San Francisco 49ers after the team promoted defensive line coach Jim Tomsula to replace Jim Harbaugh.

Fangio’s 3-4 defense finished in the top 10 in points allowed and total yards each of his four seasons with the 49ers.

The Bears did not run a three-man front under Marc Trestman, who was fired as head coach after two seasons and significant personnel turnover.

Fangio also met with the Washington Redskins.