Report: Eagles to make 'aggressive play' for Vic Fangio if Jonathan Gannon lands head coaching position

Despite being in the midst of a potential Super Bowl, it’s no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles could lose a handful of coaches this offseason. That’s the curse of being great.

Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon may be the most likely coach to leave Philadelphia at season’s end. He’s already interviewed for the Houston Texans vacant head coaching position and he seems like their most desirable candidate.

If/when Gannon leaves, the Eagles will reportedly make an “aggressive play” to bring in one of the most recognizable names on the DC market, Vic Fangio.

#Eagles are expected to make an "aggressive play" for Vic Fangio in case they lose Jonathan Gannon to a HC position, per @AlbertBreer #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/S0nv5TvfP7
— JAKIB Sports (@JAKIBSports) January 23, 2023

NFL insider Albert Breer wrote this in his latest NFL Coaching Carousel article for Sports Illustrated.

Vic Fangio is a name you’ll hear a lot in the coming weeks for DC positions. I’d expect Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins to make an aggressive play, as would the Eagles if they lose Gannon.

Fangio has been a defensive consultant with the Eagles for the better part of the past two seasons. It’s unclear exactly when he got access to the NovaCare Complex, but it’s well known that he’s helped Jonathan Gannon through the day-to-day game planning.

The former Denver Broncos head coach is going to be one of the hottest names for vacant DC positions this offseason. Given how hands on he’s been with Philly’s defense, one could surmise that the Eagles have the inside-track to acquiring Fangio once Gannon leaves.

Fangio’s main selling point is his resume, obviously. In an interview with ESPN prior to the 2019 season, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Matt LeFleur, three of the most respected offensive minds in the league, were asked which coach’s defense was the most difficult to read and attack. All three pointed to Fangio.

Along with the high praise he’s received from around the league, Fangio is also a Dunmore, Pennsylvania native – just about two hours north of Philadelphia.

All signs are pointing towards Gannon becoming a head coach this offseason, especially if his defense continues their dominance in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl. Fangio will be the fan’s choice to replace him, and it appears he may be the Eagles first choice as well.