The Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator was a big news item earlier in the offseason as he pondered retirement. But the reality was very different, he claims.
When reports emerged on the Philadelphia
Eagles seeking defensive coordinator alternatives as Vic Fangio, 67, considered retirement
, fans went into a frenzy.
It wasn't the first time Fangio retirement speculation took place but this time, the Eagles had lost defensive pass game coordinator Christian Parker to the division rival Dallas Cowboys
.
In reality, though, things weren't nearly as dramatic. That's at least according to Fangio himself, who did more than put the rumors to bed.
Speaking for the first time this offseason ahead of Eagles OTAs, Fangio told reporters his decision wasn't close at all.
"I wasn't close," Fangio said
. "I've had those thoughts, the last few years, every year at the end of the year, I think about it. But I never really got serious to where I would have done it."
Despite the increased frenzy from fans given the circumstances of the team, it was simply part of a yearly routine. That's something fans would be smart to remember next year.
"It's no different than I did after the (2024) season, after the (2023) season," Fangio added.
"I told the players the other day [. . .] docs told me I was reverse aging with my lab work and everything that came up," Fangio joked. "So I told them, 'You guys are stuck with me for a while, a long while."
Not only was Fangio not close to hanging up the headset, he doesn't plan to do so soon either.
"I'm good for two years at least," Fangio claimed.
So why keep coming back at this age after what's already a successful career? The answer is simpler than many would assume. The guy enjoys it.
"I still like doing it," Fangio explained. "I like the group of guys we have. I like working with them. I still like the challenge of the job. I work for a good organization. It's just something that I think you'll always think about at the end of the year, but in the end I didn't come close to doing it, and I really don't foresee myself doing it."
That's good news for the Eagles. Since Fangio's arrival in 2024, Philly's defense ranks fourth in EPA/play via
RBSDM
, with Top 5 ranks against the pass and the run. Losing Parker is a strong blow to the coaching staff, sure. But he isn't the first rising assistant Fangio loses. His career suggests he can handle it.
Not to mention, his defensive roster keeps improving. The Eagles added cornerback Riq Woolen
and edge rusher Jonathan Greenard
this offseason, among others.
With him calling the defense, the Eagles are almost guaranteed to have a quality unit on his side of the football.
