Eagles

Vic Fangio Can Coordinate the Eagles’ Defense for as Long as He Wants

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: May 22nd, 2026 · 10:18 AM EDT

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There was a lot of consternation back in February that Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was contemplating retirement. A lot of scuttlebutt out there. Then it was later reported by the beats that Fangio decided to come back for a third season, which was a breath of fresh air to everyone in the greater Philadelphia region.

Fangio spoke to the scribes on Thursday and they got some more information:

Q. Were you close to stepping away? What was the offseason like for you as far as making a decision about coming back? (Reuben Frank)

Vic Fangio: No, I wasn’t close. I’ve had those thoughts [for] the last few years, every year at the end of the year. I just think about it. I never really got serious to where I would’ve done it and it’s no different than I did after the ’24 season, after the ’23 season. I told the players the other day that we had our annual physical. We get physicals as coaches and the docs told me I was reverse aging with my lab work and everything that came up. I told them, “You guys are stuck with me for a while, a long while.”

Q. When you have come back though, what is it that keeps you coming back? What keeps you going? (Bo Wulf)

Vic Fangio: I still like doing it. I like the group of guys we have. I like working with them. I still like the challenge of the job, work for a good organization. Really, it’s just something that I think you’ll always think about at the end of the year, but in the end, I didn’t come close to doing it. I really don’t foresee myself doing it. I’m good for two years at least.

“I’m good for two years at least.”

It wasn’t looking good there for a little bit. Losing both Jeff Stoutland and Vic Fangio at the same time would have been rough. The only man who can replace those guys is Juan Castillo. You’d have him coach the offensive line and coordinate the defense at the same time.

Fangio’s defense was the only thing keeping the 2025 season respectable. Without that unit playing at a high level, the Eagles lose the Green Bay, Detroit, and Buffalo games and finish 8-9. Is that a hot take? I don’t think so. You need Fangio here as long as possible. You need stability on the defensive side as the offense works in a new coordinator and tries to recapture the magic of 2024.