Dolphins Hire Vic Fangio to Become their Defensive Coordinator

The Miami Dolphins officially hire former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio to become the team’s next defensive coordinator.

The news comes a few days after multiple media outlets prematurely reported that Fangio has agreed to the position. Although, it’s believed that he was still hearing from other interested teams such as the 49ers and Broncos.

The Fins released a statement four days after Their loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round of the playoffs confirming that former defensive coordinator, Josh Boyer, was relieved of his duties. The hiring process for his replacement would immediately begin.

We have parted ways with defensive coordinator Josh Boyer and made additional changes to the coaching staff.

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 19, 2023

What Went Wrong

Miami’s defense in 2022 featured mixed results throughout the course of the season. Their 40 combined sacks in the regular season was a highlight. However, their low turnover margin and relatively high yards per game led much to be desired. The overall PFF rank for the Dolphins defense this past season was lower than the year prior when Brian Flores was head coach.

The Solution

The fanbase was all in on signing Fangio since the Dolphins began their search for the next defensive coordinator. From 2019 to 2021, he was the head coach of the Denver Broncos. Their defense during his tenure was ranked as one of the best in football.

Currently, Fangio is a defensive consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles. Therefore, he won’t be able to sign a contract with Miami until after the Eagles play in Super Bowl LVII.

Fangio brings almost 40 years of coaching experience to Miami. He began his NFL career as a linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints in 1986. Since then, he’s been the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, (Where it’s believed he built a strong relationship with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel) and the Chicago Bears.

Mike McDaniel was willing to bring Fangio to Miami last year when he first arrived, but he also understood the team's desires to keep Boyer after solid 2021 defense. I never sensed McDaniel viewed Boyer as a lame duck, but when it didn't work out… this became a clear path.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) February 2, 2023

The Expectations

Overall, I believe this is a great hire and just what Miami’s defense needs. A veteran coach that has proven he can make a defense as good as it can be. He should have no issues maxing out the talents of a roster as undeniably stacked as the Dolphins.

Featuring veteran cornerstone players such as corners Xavien Howard and Byron Jones in the backfield (When they’re healthy, of course) and rising stars like linebacker Jaelan Phillips and defensive end Christian Wilkins, there’s a lot to be excited about.

All the focus is on Miami’s offense. The Fins have an offensive minded head coach, key weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and a concussion-ridden quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. It’s easy to forget that a great defense is just as, or if not more important than, a great offense. With the Dolphins hire of Vic Fangio, a top ten defense in Miami could become a reality once more.