Vic Fangio might already have a new defensive coordinator gig lined up after just exiting Miami.
The Dolphins announced Wednesday that they had “mutually agreed to part ways” with Fangio, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler reported that he was was the Eagles’ “top target” for their defensive vacancy with a deal expected.
The now-former Miami coach already has a connection with the Eagles organization after he worked as a consultant for two weeks as they prepared to face the Chiefs in last year’s Super Bowl.
Schefter reported that Fangio and the Eagles had an interest in working with one another in 2023, “but the timing didn’t work.”
It seems this time it will, with the Dolphins allowing Fangio to leave in order to be closer to his family in Pennsylvania, the NFL insider noted.
The Eagles let go of defensive coordinator Sean Desai on Sunday and quickly began searching for his replacement.
Now, it seems like they might have a match in Fangio.
“I want to thank Vic for his contributions in 2023. When we assessed the season, it became apparent that this was the best path forward for all parties involved,” Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said in a statement Wednesday. “Now, we turn our focus to 2024 and beyond with urgency as we identify the best candidate to lead our defense moving forward. We remain steadfastly committed to the development of our players and to building a winning team with sustained success.”
The Fangio-led Miami defense in 2023 allowed the 10th-fewest yards per game and ranked third in the NFL in sacks (56).
But the injury-plagued Dolphins struggled during the stretch drive, allowing more than 400 yards of offense in four of the last six games of the regular season.
Fangio, 65, brings 37 years of coaching experience to wherever he ends up next.
His resume includes being AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year with the Bears in 2018.
After the Eagles let go of Desai, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported the team reached out to several available coaches to fill the role, including former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and ex-Falcons coach Ryan Nielsen.
However, Fangio now appears to be locked in as the choice to come in and right the ship after a disastrous 2023 for the Eagles’ defense.
The Eagles struggled, particularly in the final few games, which led to head coach Nick Sirianni taking away defensive play-calling from Desai.