He eventually started working as the San Francisco 49ers defensive backs coach under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. When Fangio joined the Chicago Bears in 2015, Donatell followed.[3]
On January 15, 2019, the Denver Broncos hired Donatell as their defensive coordinator.[4] He tested positive for COVID-19 on November 1, 2020,[5] and missed six games before returning in Week 14.[6]
On February 4, 2022, it was announced that the Seattle Seahawks had hired Donatell in a senior defensive role.[7] However, on February 10, it was announced that Donatell would not be joining the Seahawks and would instead join the Minnesota Vikings as their defensive coordinator for the 2022 season.[8]
On January 19, 2023, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Donatell had been fired.[9]
^Ridenour, Marla (January 8, 2005). "Savage Joins Search for Coach: Browns General Manager Helps Interview Crennel, Says He Doesn't Think Ferentz Wants to Leave Iowa". Akron Beacon Journal. Beacon Journal Publishing Co. p. C3 – Sports. ... Ed Donatell, an Akron native and product of Stow High School.