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A former Dolphins defensive coordinator is considering retirement
Following the 2022 season, the Miami Dolphins seemed on the rise. They had reached the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season, and nearly upset the Buffalo Bills despite missing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins roster showed promise, but with defensive struggles that season, they fired defensive coordinator Josh Boyer.
To replace Boyer, the Dolphins hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. In order to lure him to Miami, they signed him to a three-year deal that made him the highest-paid coordinator in football. His tenure with the Dolphins did not last long as he coached for only one season of his three-year deal. Upon leaving the Dolphins, he joined the Eagles where he won a Super Bowl as a defensive coordinator, with a defense that shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense.
Now, the former Dolphins defensive coordinator is considering retirement after two seasons with the Eagles.
Vic Fangio With the Miami Dolphins
Fangio was seen as the missing piece for the Miami Dolphins in 2023. After their offense burst onto the scene in 2022, the defense lagged behind. However, the potential was evident. The Dolphins defense featured ascending young talent like Christian Wilkins, Jevon Holland, Jaelan Phillips, and they were paired with talented veterans like Bradley Chubb, Zach Sieler and Xavien Howard.
Then, the Dolphins made a blockbuster move and traded for Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Despite this, Fangio expressed concerns that the Dolphins defense lacked talent. His concerns became a reality as they finished in the bottom-10 in points allowed that season. Injuries played a big role in the Dolphins’ defense struggling. Jaelan Phillips had six sacks over his last five games, but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, starting cornerback Xavien Howard battled injuries all season and ultimately suffered a season-ending injury, Bradley Chubb also suffered a torn ACL.
By the time the Dolphins made the postseason, the team had to sign veteran free-agent pass rushers the week leading up to the game. The team lost in the first round, and Fangio soon left the team. Regarding what went wrong with the Dolphins, Fangio said, “Nothing really. Up until the last couple of games, we were ranked very high in defense. We were top five in every stat. Then we lost 6 or 7 starters over last few games”
Vic Fangio’s Departure
Following the season, Fangio and the Dolphins parted ways. It was an awkward exit, as it seemed Fangio wanted to go to the Eagles. He had served as a consultant with Philadelphia prior to taking the Dolphins’ job, but many expected him to become their defensive coordinator. After his unsuccessful season with the Dolphins, Miami and Fangio mutually parted ways.
Head coach Mike McDaniel admitted that he did not see the situation coming as he said, “In regard to the defensive coordinator transition this offseason, I’d be lying if I said I was expecting that during the season at all.” Following news of his departure, reports came out that Fangio was expected to take the Eagles job.
Ultimately, his tenure in Miami brought the Dolphins hope that failed to materialize in success. However, he remains one of the premier defensive coordinators in NFL history.
Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer
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