After having two understudies run the system to mixed review, the Eagles got their man and the scheme’s architect, as Vic Fangio has officially been named the team’s defensive coordinator.
Fangio wanted to be closer to his family in Pennslyvania, and Philadelphia happened to have a vacancy after firing Sean Desai.
Welcome to Philly, Coach Fangio!#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/MtIK5ECjDa
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 27, 2024
With the deal now complete, here are four things to know about the Eagles new defensive coach.
Fangio grew up an Eagles fan
“I was a die-hard Phillies fan and Eagles fan growing up and got my first job in pro football there back in the USFL with the Philadelphia Stars,” said Fangio during a mid-week press conference before the Dolphins and Eagles played in Week 7 this season. “And so, Philly is a special place to me.”
Vic Fangio described himself in 2021 as a "diehard" Eagles fans when he grew up in Dunmore.
His favorite players? Tom Woodeshick, Bill Bergey, Harold Jackson, Roman Gabriel.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) January 27, 2024
Fangio's units have ups and down
DVOA Rankings for new #Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defenses:
As DC:
2023, Dolphins: 19th
2015-18, Bears: 31st, 22d, 14th, 1st
2011-14, 49ers: 3d, 4th, 13th, 5th
2002-05, Texans: 20th, 26th, 19th, 32d
1999-2001, Colts: 27th, 22d, 30th
1995-98, Panthers: 7th, 5th,…— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 27, 2024
Fangio has local ties
Fangio began his coaching career as a defensive assistant for the now-defunct Philadelphia Stars, winning a USFL Championship in 1984 before the team relocated to Baltimore. Fangio is an East Stroudsburg University graduate, and an avid Philadelphia sports fan.
Fangio will employ a versatile scheme
Fangio’s main package is the 3-4, Nickel/Sub, Penny, and 40 defensive fronts.
His scheme implements some man-coverage principles and creates a lot of versatility in his defensive calls.
Fangio’s defense focuses on limiting explosive plays with heavy zone coverage and looks that give opposing offenses a chance to run the ball.
Fangio’s defenses don’t blitz a lot either, with the idea being to limit explosive passing plays, force teams to run the football and then win with four pass rushers up front.
