Miami’s defense finished 22nd in points allowed under Fangio this past season.
The Miami Dolphins underwent a significant transition this season when the organization and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio chose to part ways after only one year together. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel recently met with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he discussed Fangio and whether the decision to break ways was always on the horizon.
Fangio left the Dolphins to take the same role with the Philadelphia Eagles, which may not be the most shocking move given the 65-year-old’s Pennsylvania roots. Miami’s defense had a tough season, dealing with numerous injuries and finishing 22nd out of 32 in points allowed.
When speaking about the relationship, McDaniel said that he would “be lying” if he thought during the season Fangio wouldn’t be a part of the Dolphins anymore. He would say though that the conversations they both had were “very healthy” in regards to the defensive coordinator leaving the position according to Bobby Kownack of NFL.com.
“In terms of the defensive coordinator transition this offseason, I’d be lying if I said I expected it during the season,” McDaniel said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I believe Vic would feel similarly. What happened was that I believe it is critical at the conclusion of the season to remove emotion, evaluate, and have very, very excellent conversations with everyone on whom you rely. Vic and I had extended, healthy chats.”
When the Dolphins hired Fangio before the season, it was seemed as a home run hire from McDaniel and the team as while the team was offensively-focused, they got one of the greatest defensive minds in football. When the news was announced they would part ways, it was a shock to most, but ultimately seemed for McDaniel that “it’d be best for both parties involved to literally, mutually split.”
“Ultimately, when it came down to it, it appeared that we both had the chance, and it would be best for both parties involved to literally part ways. So it wasn’t anticipated,” McDaniel explained. “It was something that I believe was a result of tremendous communication between him and me, where we both believe that going in a new way is best for everyone. “I’m excited for both parties to move forward.”
The Dolphins found Fangio’s replacement in Anthony Weaver, who was the assistant head coach to John Harbaugh and defensive lines coach for the Baltimore Ravens. He was introduced to the team Thursday, Feb, 15 as he looks to take a hopefully healthy defense to new heights in 2024.
Miami finished 11-6 last season and while that is the best record for the Dolphins in a very long time, fans are still left disappointed after the team missed multiple opportunities towards the end of the year. They would lose to the Super Bowl champions in the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.
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