The Dolphins appeared to make a significant addition to their coaching staff yesterday, coming to terms on a deal with Vic Fangio to make him their new defensive coordinator. Contrary to what some have since reported, though, the move does not appear to be official at this point. 
When speaking to Fangio himself, both 9News’ Mike Klis and Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle were told that a deal is not, in fact, in place yet (Twitter links). In the latter’s case, Fangio stated that “nothing has been decided on my end,” a reference to his commitment to head to Miami. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that his Dolphins contract is three years in length (with a team option for a fourth year) and will make him the league’s highest-paid coordinator.
Fangio, 64, was always likely to be a hot commodity on the DC market when he made it clear he would return to coaching in 2023. The former Broncos head coach had previously stated his intention of taking on a coordinator position, rather than another HC opportunity. Over the course of his decorated career, he established himself as a one of the game’s top defensive minds in terms of scheme and play-calling, as well as one with connections all over the league.
The Panthers were tapped as a likely destination for Fangio in the wake of their Frank Reich hiring. It was reported early today, to no surprise, that Carolina was willing to meet his financial demands, though even in the uncertainty regarding his future they are no longer expected to pursue him. That could make another notable DC vacancy one to keep an eye on in this situation.
Silver notes the “huge amount” of respect shared between 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Fangio. The latter served as San Francisco’s DC from 2011-14, and it was reported in the fall that a return to the Bay Area could be in the cards. The 49ers have enjoyed elite play on the defensive side of the ball under current coordinator DeMeco Ryans, but he has been one of the top HC candidates this offseason and is widely expected to soon become the Texans’ new bench boss. His departure could open the door for Fangio to replace him, should the Miami agreement fall through.
On that point, Pelissero’s colleague Cameron Wolfe tweets that Fangio had been a target of Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel before he even began his tenure with the team this past season. That underscores the desire the Dolphins have long had to bring him onboard, though it remains to be seen if they have officially done so this offseason.
Maybe there’s some questions about his physical…
No… Wait…
Vic is probably worried that the Dolphins may ask him to appear in a pet detective movie.
The Dolphins will screw this up without a doubt
This is great news! I always wanted him back in SF and was upset the Dolphins “signed” him.
Fangio is one of the best defensive minds of all time, in my opinion, and doubtlessly one of the best coordinators of all time. Anything he touches defensively seems to turn to gold. That said, I do not seem the reason for San Francisco to hire him. Fangio has a knack for getting the most out of his players, no matter who they are, but his philosophy stands in stark contrast to how the 49ers’ defense is built. Sure, Bosa, Warner, Kinlaw, and Armstead can likely move around because of their inherent athletic talents. But why change from a perfect 4 man front to something else, when the defense is already likely the best in the league?
Fangio would likely keep that defense at the top, but also will likely need a period to transition. It seems as if whatever gain would not be worth any potential loss by switching schemes. A team that may not be as good in its current defense or a team already built with 3-4 pass rushing ability seems like a better fit for a change to Fangio’s style.