While things seem to be set for Vic Fangio to still be the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, that might not actually stay true. Fangio has reportedly been considering retirement this offseason, and if this does happen, the Eagles will quickly need to pivot and find a new defensive coordinator.
Eagles DC Vic Fangio expected to return in 2026 after considering retirement, per @EJSmith94.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) February 2, 2026
*Prediction*
One route the Eagles could end up going is hiring Sean McDermott to replace Vic Fangio as the defensive coordinator.
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Sean McDermott Will Replace Vic Fangio as Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator
Sean McDermott is officially looking for a new job after he was fired by the Buffalo Bills. While things didn’t work out in Buffalo, as it had run its course, McDermott is just 51 years old, so he is bound to stay around the NFL in some way.
While all head coaching vacancies are filled, he could look to join a team as a defensive coordinator to stay active, and the team he could land with is the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sean McDermott is a proven defensive mind, as shown with his defenses having a second cumulative ranking in EPA/Play between 2017-2024. McDermott has plenty of defensive coaching experience, and this includes in Philadelphia.
As noted in a previous article from Daniel Alameda, “from 2001 to 2010, McDermott worked his way up within Philadelphia’s staff, eventually becoming the defensive coordinator in 2009.” Ties are essential in the NFL, and the roots to the team are already there.
What further makes this job attractive for Sean McDermott, although it is a step-down from his previous role as a head coach, is that he grew up in Philadelphia. This would allow him the ability to stay active in the coaching scene, and return close to home in the process.
Sean McDermott is bound to get another head coaching job, and coaching the Eagles’ defense in between head coaching roles would further help McDermott in gaining another opportunity.
For the Eagles, bringing in an experienced defensive mind like McDermott would help them also stay on track as well if Vic Fangio were to actually retire.