In his new role as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, Vic Fangio appears to be reverting to the controversial coaching methods that marred his tenure with the Miami Dolphins. During his time in Miami, dissatisfaction within the locker room was palpable, with players like Jevon Holland openly expressing their disapproval of Fangio’s style.
Now with the Eagles, early reports from training camp suggest Fangio hasn’t adjusted his approach. According to Eagles linebacker Devin White, Fangio does not hesitate to harshly criticize players for their mistakes, regardless of the setting—be it in private or in front of their teammates. White recounted an incident where teammate Jalen Carter was publicly reprimanded by Fangio for a misstep during practice.
These abrasive tactics raise concerns, especially considering Fangio’s brief and tumultuous stint in Miami, where he was widely criticized for a lack of connection with his players. His style contrasted starkly with his successor in Miami, Anthony Weaver, who has garnered support and enthusiasm from the team—an atmosphere Fangio struggled to cultivate.
The decision by the Eagles to bring in Fangio was likely in hopes of fostering a disciplined and effective defense. However, the early discontent surfacing in Philadelphia echoes the issues from Miami, suggesting that Fangio may not have taken those lessons to heart. As the season approaches, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni may find managing Fangio’s old-school, confrontational approach to be a significant challenge.