In his 39th season as a football coach, Vic Fangio continues to be recognized for his ability to design defenses that adapt to new personnel and changing circumstances. Now in his role with the Philadelphia Eagles, Fangio faces another season of integrating new players at every level of the defense.
Reflecting on the upcoming season and the changes within the team, Fangio said in June, “I look at this year, very similar to last year in that at this time last year, we had a lot of turnover in personnel from the previous year. I look at us really basically the same one year to the next. The names have changed. Hopefully we’ll get the same results from these new guys that we got from a lot of the new guys last year.”
Fangio’s approach centers on adapting to constant change in the NFL. Last season, he led an Eagles defense through uncertainty and roster adjustments, ultimately guiding them to a No. 1 defensive ranking and a Super Bowl title.
Players credit Fangio for his leadership and trust-building abilities. Edge player Nolan Smith said, “I’ll do anything for him. He knows how to bring out the best in me and I know he’s doing what he’s doing to make me productive. We all know that he has the entire defense’s best interests in mind.”
Linebacker Zack Baun exemplifies Fangio’s impact on player development. After signing with Philadelphia following four seasons with New Orleans where he struggled to find consistency, Baun shifted positions under Fangio’s guidance and saw marked improvement—earning first-team All-Pro honors and becoming a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Baun described Fangio’s coaching style: “He knows what you do well and he puts you in the best positions to help the defense,” Baun said. “It sounds simple, but it isn’t. He has an understanding of the big picture and how you fit in. You have to trust in his vision and we do.”
Despite receiving praise for his achievements, Fangio often redirects credit toward Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman for assembling talent suited for defensive schemes: Roseman works closely with coaching staff needs when acquiring players so their skills align with system requirements.
First-year captain Reed Blankenship highlighted preparation as key: “We all know what we’re looking at during a game because Vic and the coaching staff have us prepared every week,” Blankenship said. “He makes the right adjustments during the course of a game. We are all on the same page and because of that we have great communication during the course of the game. All of that is done during the week of practice, so I think a lot of success we have comes from that time. When you get to game day, it’s like you know what is coming and you’re going to be in position to make play.”
The Eagles are preparing for Thursday night’s matchup against Dallas—a team bolstered by wide receiver George Pickens joining an already strong passing offense.
Defensive back Cooper DeJean spoke about facing top competition each week: “That’s what makes it fun,” DeJean said. “These teams are best in world so you go out there every week knowing if you aren’t at your best they’re going get you.” On playing under Fangio’s system he added: “Vic puts us in right position make plays… Wherever he decides play me on certain down that’s going work… I have trust him because he has trust me… That is what he’s all about.”
