Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Former NFL RB gives flattering nickname to Vic Fangio all Eagles fans agree on

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Everyone knows from watching the classic mobster movies like "The Godfather" that when the Don tells someone to do something, it gets done. Much of the same can be said for Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" was discussing who the top football minds in the game were. Former NFL running back Chase Edmonds named Fangio the top mind with a nickname that Francis Ford Coppola would appreciate.

"The triple OG, the Don, the Godfather Vic Fangio and I started to look at Vic Fangio, he looks like an Italian mob boss, like a Don. What he did for the Philadelphia Eagles I think might be the biggest reason they won the Super Bowl last year. In 2023, as you guys remember, they were ranked 30th in points allowed per game. Vic Fangio, they called the Don, they called the Godfather as they got a nasty mess they got to clean up. They call, he turns it around. Second in points allowed, first in total defense, first in pass defense. They literally go from a bottom-five defense to a top-two defense in one season from Fangio. And you look at about how long he's been in the game and his track record of excellence."

"He's the godfather of defenses"@ChaseEdmonds22 has Vic Fangio as the best mind in football right now pic.twitter.com/MClcQGP6Z6
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) July 18, 2025

The Don's resume has spoken, and he is among the most brilliant minds

Fangio has been a long-time defensive coordinator, dating back to 1995 with the Carolina Panthers. Nine times in Fangio's career that his defense has been in the top 10 in total defense and points allowed per game.

Last season was Fangio's most successful season as defensive coordinator in just his first season in Philly. The Eagles were first in total defense, first in pass defense, and second in points.

He'll have his work cut out for him in 2025, with a very young defense, as 10 of their projected 11 starters will be 25 years old or younger. Fangio has proven to be able to get the most out of those young players, though, with rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean having breakout seasons. Nolan Smith Jr. and Nakobe Dean had breakout seasons in their second and third seasons.

Fangio is a mastermind at getting defenders in the right places and is willing to move guys around. He can see who has versatility and can do more than one job. The best part about him is he will have his guys in the right positions.

While some people in the media are concerned about the Eagles' young defense, Fangio should be all anyone needs to know that they are in a good position for 2025.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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