Philly Leader

Vic Fangio is set to conclude his storied coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he began 40 years ago. Hired as the team's defensive coordinator this offseason, Fangio embarks on his 38th NFL season and 21st as a defensive coordinator. His professional journey started with the USFL's Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars in 1984-85, helping secure back-to-back championships before the league folded.

Returning to Philadelphia holds personal significance for Fangio, a native of Dunmore, Pennsylvania. He shared during his introductory press conference, "It's a good thrill to come back 40 years later and hopefully finish it out here." The proximity of his family was also a factor in his decision; his mother resides two hours north of the city while his children live two hours south.

Fangio's previous stint with the Eagles involved consulting during their 2022 Super Bowl run. In between, he served as the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator in 2023, where the team set franchise records for sacks and defensive touchdowns.

Fangio credits much of his passion for coaching to Jack Henzes Jr., one of Pennsylvania's greatest prep coaches. Reflecting on football's unique impact through coaching, he remarked: "Coaching in football has more of an impact on the game than baseball does, than most other sports."

Throughout his career, including three seasons as head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2019-21, Fangio achieved ten top-10 defensive units in yards allowed and points allowed. He attributes success to having skilled players and competent assistants who communicate play expectations effectively.

As he integrates into Philadelphia’s system again, Fangio emphasizes versatility in schemes based on weekly challenges from opposing offenses. During training camp, all potential plays will be introduced so players are prepared throughout the season.

In evaluating several positions and players within the team:

On Quinyon Mitchell: "He's obviously got good movement... He's going to have to adapt... but we think he's the right guy."

On Bryce Huff: "Hopefully we can make him proficient enough to where he plays more."

On Jalen Carter: "He's talented enough that no matter what we do with him we'll be maximizing him."

On Jordan Davis: "I think he's rounding into good shape... very encouraging."

Regarding inside linebackers like Zack Baun and Devin White: "(Zack) Baun... I have not seen anything so far that says otherwise." For Devin White: "...we hope to get him back to where he was."

With these insights into player development alongside strategic flexibility guided by experience—Vic Fangio aims toward concluding an impactful tenure both personally significant while further contributing toward Philadelphia Eagle’s aspirations ahead this NFL season.