
Vic Fangio is widely regarded as one of the most respected defensive minds in modern NFL history. Before joining the Philadelphia Eagles, he spent nearly four decades coaching at the highest levels of professional football, including stints as defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans , and as head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2019-2021.
Since becoming the Eagles’ DC in 2024, Fangio’s impact has been immediate. He orchestrated one of the league’s best defensive units and helped Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs that same season. The Eagles held the Chiefs to just six points through most of the game.
In the 2025 season, even as the Eagles’ offense experienced some inconsistency, Fangio’s defense remained a stabilizing force. The Eagles ranked fifth in points allowed (19.1 per game). Despite boasting a rushing defense that lagged behind elite levels this season, the Eagles excelled in multiple key defensive categories, including fewest passing touchdowns allowed and lowest opposing completion percentage. Philadelphia’s defense was a major reason the Eagles clinched the NFC East top spot for the second straight year.
Given that performance, Fangio was selected a candidate for the Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year award this season. However, when results were announced Thursday, New England Patriots defensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (Patriots) was revealed as the AP Assistant Coach of the Year, securing 17 first-place votes and topping the ballot. McDaniels’ offensive success and development of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye propelled him ahead of Fangio and others in the voting tally.
Fangio finished third in voting, with four first-place votes and 78 total points in the balloting. Other assistants receiving acknowledgment included Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Assistant Coach of the Year voting — first-place votes:
— Gatsby (@ZachGatsby) February 6, 2026
- Josh McDaniels: 17
- Vance Joseph: 10
- Brian Flores: 8
- Vic Fangio: 4
- Klint Kubiak: 3
- Matt Burke: 3
- Robert Saleh: 2
- Anthony Campanile: 2
- Aaron Kromer: 1
McDaniels leads the way with the… pic.twitter.com/znVMDUiUlU
The result comes amid conversation about Fangio’s future. He reportedly contemplated retirement after Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory last season and again after the 2025 season. But conversations with team leadership have since led to Fangio deciding to return as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator in 2026, per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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