Report: Dolphins hire Fangio as defensive coordinator
The Miami Dolphins are hiring Vic Fangio to be the team's new defensive coordinator, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Fangio will receive a three-year deal that'll make him the NFL's highest-paid coordinator, Pelissero reports. He'll receive $4.5 million-$5 million per season, according to Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider. The contract also includes a fourth-year team option.
The 64-year-old posted a 19-30 record as the head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2019-2021. Fangio has also spent time as a coordinator with several teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears.
Additionally, Fangio served as a defensive consultant for the Philadelphia Eagles this past season.
The Scranton, Pennsylvania, native has spent 33 years in the NFL.
Fangio drew interest as a defensive coordinator candidate from several teams, including the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.
Noted for his defensive leadership, Fangio was instrumental in turning the Bears into a top-15 unit. He was named the AP Assistant Coach of the Year after he helped the 2018 Bears lead the league in forced turnovers and interceptions.
Miami dismissed Josh Boyer earlier this month after three seasons. The Dolphins ranked 24th in points allowed per game (23.5) and 18th in yards allowed per contest in 2022. They also generated just 14 turnovers.
Seattle Seahawks associate head coach Sean Desai, Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile, and New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator Kris Richard were among the other candidates interviewed for the opening.
Miami boasts a talented defensive unit that features promising stars such as Bradley Chubb, Christian Wilkins, and Xavien Howard.