Dolphins and DC Vic Fangio agree to mutually part ways
The Miami Dolphins are now in the market for a new defensive coordinator. The Dolphins and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have agreed to mutually part ways after just one season together in Miami. Mike McDaniel's statement is certainly interesting. "When we assessed the season, it became apparent that this was the best path for all […]
The Miami Dolphins are now in the market for a new defensive coordinator.
The Dolphins and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have agreed to mutually part ways after just one season together in Miami.
Mike McDaniel's statement is certainly interesting. "When we assessed the season, it became apparent that this was the best path for all parties involved." Those words seem to indicate that it was performance based, given the part about assessing the season.
There's little doubt that Miami's defense struggled this season against the upper tier teams in the NFL. For the year, Miami ranked inside the top 10 for both most passing touchdowns (27, tied for 7th) and rushing touchdowns allowed (15, tied for 9th).
It is fair to wonder how much Miami's defensive woes impacted Fangio's defense, particularly his system. Fangio isn't a blitz-heavy coordinator, relying more on the front four to generate pressure. That was severely hampered by the losses of edge rushers Jaelan Phillips (achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) for the season.
However, there were moments during the season that raised questions about Fangio's defense. Why didn't they shadow Stefon Diggs with Xavien Howard in the first matchup? Instead, Diggs had a field day against the Dolphins' secondary, particularly Kader Kohou. Also, the late-game defensive collapse against the hapless Tennessee Titans ultimately cost the Dolphins the division and the 2 seed in the AFC as well.
Now, the Dolphins must try to find a high-quality defensive coordinator a week and a half since their season ended inside frigid Arrowhead Stadium. However, all is not lost, as new head coaches will soon be hired in a number of locations, which will have a domino effect on coaching hires and departures.
For now, it's time to wait and see which direction Miami goes to turn around a talented but sometimes underwhelming unit from 2023.
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