The Philadelphia Eagles have formally announced that they are hiring Vic Fangio to be their new defensive coordinator, as was first reported on Wednesday.
Nick Sirianni provided the team with the following statement:
“Vic’s established reputation speaks volumes. He possesses an exceptional defensive acumen and has consistently coached at an elite level in the league for an extensive period. During my interactions with Vic, I’ve witnessed firsthand the qualities that make him an outstanding coach – an extensive understanding of the game, genuine passion, and a strong work ethic. I’m enthusiastic about our coaches and players having the opportunity to glean valuable insights from him and witness his coaching prowess.”
Fangio, as widely known, was the Philadelphia Eagles’ preferred defensive coordinator candidate to succeed Jonathan Gannon last year. However, the Eagles ultimately opted for Sean Desai, who was later demoted in favor of promoting Matt Patricia. Fangio then joined the Miami Dolphins. Surprisingly, after just one year in Florida, Fangio is now returning to his home state of Pennsylvania. Let’s take a closer look at the notable track record he brings:
DVOA Rankings for new #Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defenses:
As DC:
2023, Dolphins: 19th
2015-18, Bears: 31st, 22d, 14th, 1st
2011-14, 49ers: 3d, 4th, 13th, 5th
2002-05, Texans: 20th, 26th, 19th, 32d
1999-2001, Colts: 27th, 22d, 30th
1995-98, Panthers: 7th, 5th,…— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 27, 2024
The team is banking on Fangio’s arrival to revamp an Eagles defense that struggled, ranking 29th in DVOA, 29th in EPA per play, and 30th in opponent offensive points per game in 2023. Fangio’s success will undoubtedly hinge on support from Howie Roseman in terms of upgrading the personnel.
Realistic expectations don’t demand a sudden transformation into the 1985 Bears. While an elite defense would be fantastic, the primary goal is to elevate the unit from being a bottom-five performer to achieving at least competency. Coupled with a high-caliber offense, this approach could place the Eagles back in contention for championships.
There are numerous positive aspects to the Eagles hiring Fangio. He’s widely regarded as one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL. A May 2022 article from The Athletic, titled “Vic Fangio, the most influential DC in modern NFL: A deep dive into his system,” provides insights into his influential defensive strategies.
In an ESPN interview conducted before the 2019 season, three highly successful play callers—Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Matt LaFleur—were asked to identify which coach’s defense they found most challenging to decipher and attack. All three pointed to Vic Fangio, who served as the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears from 2015 to 2018 and became the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2019, marking his first year in that role.
Unlike the situation with Desai, who had just one season of play-calling experience upon joining the Eagles, the team can have confidence in Fangio’s ability to independently manage his defensive unit without requiring additional supervision or interference.
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Considering that Fangio, at 65, doesn’t seem poised for imminent retirement, there’s potential for defensive continuity. It’s unlikely that teams will aggressively pursue him for head coaching positions, especially given his less successful tenure with the Denver Broncos.
While the Fangio hiring isn’t without its uncertainties—such as the Dolphins’ willingness to part ways with him after just one year in Miami and the apparent lack of sadness from some players about his departure—there’s a valid question about how much the NFL has adapted to Fangio’s defensive preferences, given the system’s widespread adoption.
Nevertheless, despite these considerations, it’s challenging to make a compelling argument that the Eagles should have chosen a different path. Welcome back to Philadelphia, Vic.
