Vic Fangio. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins part ways with highly regarded coordinator

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 1/24/24

The Dolphins made the difficult decision to separate with one of the NFL's most respected coaches on Wednesday.

Miami and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mutually agreed to part ways after just one season together, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"When we assessed the season, it became apparent that this was the best path forward for all parties involved," the Dolphins said in a statement. "Now, we turn focus to 2024 and beyond with urgency as we identify the best candidate to lead our defense moving forward."

Fangio instantly becomes one of the top available defensive coordinators after leading a Dolphins defense that allowed the 10th-fewest total yards per game (318.3) in the league this season. And although the move may be surprising to some, it isn't for NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"There was a lot going on here," Rapoport said. "The up and down nature of the defense and I would also say just the fit with Mike McDaniel and Vic Fangio, there was a lot to like ... but I'm not sure this was always as smooth of a ride as it seemed from the outside."

From @NFLTotalAccess Championship Wednesday edition: #Dolphins DC Vic Fangio is out. What it means and what might happen next... pic.twitter.com/Y4L0DaABgb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 24, 2024

The team to watch now is the Philadelphia Eagles. Fangio "nearly landed" with the Eagles last offseason and they currently have a defensive coordinator opening after the firing of DC Sean Desai earlier this week.

Fangio's departure from Miami will also allow him to be closer to his family in Pennsylvania. Even more reason a deal is expected between Fangio and Philadelphia sooner rather than later, according to Schefter.

As for the Dolphins, a name to watch is Brandon Staley. The former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers from 2021-23 is another one of the top available defensive coordinator candidates and is likely on the radar of McDaniel and his staff.

It feels as though Miami and Fangio already have their ideal plans in mind for the 2024 season and the parting of ways could certainly work out for both sides.

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