Eagles appoint Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator following Dolphins’ departure: ‘Excellent defensive mind’

Vic Fangio’s abrupt move from the Dolphins to the Eagles as defensive coordinator is now official.

Philadelphia confirmed the hire three days after Fangio and Miami split ways after one season together, with the longtime coordinator and former Broncos head coach quickly emerging as the top candidate to replace Sean Desai on Nick Sirianni’s staff.

“Vic’s reputation obviously speaks for itself,” Sirianni stated in his statement. “He’s a superb defensive mind with many years of experience coaching at the highest levels of this league. During my time with Vic, I’ve witnessed personally what makes him such a remarkable coach: amazing knowledge of the game, passion, and work ethic.

“I’m excited for our coaches and players to be able to learn from him and see it for themselves.”

Fangio will be entrusted with mending an Eagles team that allowed the second-fewest yards per game and the eighth-fewest points per game in 2022, but in 2023, those ranks fell to 26th and 30th, respectively.

The Eagles lost five of their final six games of the regular season, and in the wild-card round, they were destroyed by the Buccaneers, 32-9, with Baker Mayfield throwing for 337 yards and three touchdowns.

Desai remained defensive coordinator amid the end-of-season tumult, but Matt Patricia, the former Lions head coach and Patriots defensive coordinator during their subsequent Super Bowl runs, took over play-calling duties.

According to sources, the Eagles were also interested in former Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, and they interviewed ex-Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry, ex-Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, and ex-Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell.

But Philadelphia’s front management may have already had their best choice in mind, as ESPN reported Wednesday that Fangio and the Eagles were interested in collaborating in 2023 — a circumstance where “timing didn’t work.”

“I want to thank Vic for his contributions in 2023,” head coach Mike McDaniel said in a statement released Wednesday. “When we evaluated the season, it became clear that this was the best way forward for all parties concerned.

“Now, we must urgently focus on 2024 and beyond in order to find the best candidate to lead our defense in the future.” We remain strongly committed to developing our players and constructing a winning squad with long-term success.”

The Dolphins’ defense had a series of injuries near the close of the season, losing Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Jerome Baker, Andrew Van Ginkel, Jevon Holland, and Xavien Howard at various stages before their wild-card loss to the Chiefs.