The Miami Dolphins moving on from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was a shocker for fans and media. And it turns out, for head coach Mike McDaniel, as well.
Over at the NFL Scouting Combine, McDaniel inevitably faced questions about the decision to turn the page on a coach who had success statistically, especially since the moment the defense got Jalen Ramsey back from injury.
For the most part, McDaniel kept it real with reporters, admitting that he was taken by surprise by the move he himself made.
“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," McDaniel told reporters at Indianapolis on Tuesday. "I think Vic (Fangio) would feel similarly."
However, McDaniel wasn't exactly honest with what the reasoning was behind the move that led to the Dolphins pivoting to former Baltimore Ravens DL coach, Anthony Weaver, to take over the defense.
McDaniel made it seem like it was a very amicable departure with Fangio:
"With Vic and I, we had extensive conversations that were very healthy," McDaniel added. "Ultimately, when push came to shove, it seemed like we both had the opportunity and it’d be best for both parties involved to literally, mutually part. So it wasn’t anticipated."
While that might be true between the two coaches, players have made it seem otherwise. Reports early on revealed McDaniel received negative feedback on Fangio from players during exit interviews. Jalen Ramsey has continued to take public shots at Fangio, claiming he was misused in 2023 (something set to change under Weaver).
Ramsey hasn't been the only one to voice his discomfort with Fangio. After Fangio was let go, multiple players took to social media to essentially celebrate the coaching change.
Ahead of the 2024 offseason, all that matters is Weaver, though. Turning the page now.
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