Vic Fangio drops bombshell update on potential Dolphins hiring
It was recently reported that Vic Fangio was hired by the Miami Dolphins to take over as their defensive coordinator ahead of the 2023 NFL season. He will apparently join the staff of head coach Mike McDaniel as the Dolphins look to make a push back to the NFL Playoffs next year.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero:
"The Dolphins have agreed to terms with Vic Fangio on a deal that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid coordinator, per sources. It’s a 3-year deal with a 4th-year team option. Fangio, the former Broncos coach, is one of football’s best defensive minds. Huge get for Mike McDaniel."
Less than a full day later, his announcement was disputed by NFL reporter Michael Silver. Apparently, the deal is not yet official and Vic Fangio is still weighing his options. He tweeted that he spoke directly to Fangio, who claimed, "Nothing has been decided on my end."
For what it's worth, Vic Fangio told me late last night, "Nothing has been decided on my end." There is a huge amount of mutual respect between Kyle Shanahan and Fangio, a highly successful Niners DC under Jim Harbaugh. And it appears the 49ers will have an opening soon.
Silver seems to believe that Fangio may be interested in the defensive coordinator position for the San Francisco 49ers. The position is currently held by DeMeco Ryans, who is one of the top head coaching candidates during the 2023 NFL offseason.
Silver is assuming that Ryans will be the head coach of a team next season, putting the 49ers in the market for a new defensive coordinator.
Silver also pointed out that Vic Fangio and Kyle Shanahan have had a working relationship and mutual respect from their time coaching together with the 49ers. This could fuel Fangio's interest in the 49ers' job if it does in fact become available.
Apparently, the Miami Dolphins have made Fangio their preferred hire, but he may still be exploring his options. No official announcement has been made by the Dolphins or Fangio.
Vic Fangio's coaching career ahead of 2023 NFL season
Fangio accepted his first opportunity to become an NFL coach all the way back in 1986 with the New Orleans Saints. He spent nine years as their linebacker coach before joining the Carolina Panthers as their defensive coordinator for their inaugural 1995 NFL season.
Fangio then served as a defensive coordinator with several different teams until the 2019 NFL season. His other stops include the Indianapolis Colts, Houston, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears. He then spent three seasons as the head coach of the Denver Broncos between 2019 and 2021.
After being relieved of his duties at the conclusion of the 2021 NFL season, Fangio spent the next year as a defensive consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles. He appears ready to become a coach once again ahead of the 2023 NFL season, likely as a defensive coordinator once again.