Eagles Daily Updates: Is Vic Fangio Coming Back or What? Are They PREPARED?

February Brings Super Bowl Season and Eagles Questions

As we enter Super Bowl month, the Philadelphia Eagles face critical questions about their defensive future. The latest Birds 365 episode tackled the biggest concern on Eagles fans' minds: Is Vic Fangio coming back? Watch the full episode on YouTube.

Fangio's Return Looking More Likely

All indications point to Vic Fangio returning for the 2025 season. The Eagles organization is operating under the belief that their defensive coordinator will be back, which should provide some relief to Eagles fans who watched one of the league's top defenses last season.

However, the uncertainty isn't entirely unfounded. At 67-68 years old, Fangio has consistently maintained that this Philadelphia stint represents his final coaching stop. The veteran coordinator was contemplating retirement even before joining the Eagles, making each season a year-by-year proposition.

The Jason Kelce Parallel

Fangio's situation mirrors what Eagles fans experienced with Jason Kelce in his final years. The seasoned professional goes season by season, weighing whether the grind is worth continuing. While the expectation is that Fangio returns, the door remains slightly ajar for a surprise decision.

The concern isn't ageism—it's reality. Coaching in the NFL is demanding, and at Fangio's stage of life, priorities can shift. Whether he wants to spend another year grinding through training camp and the rigors of an NFL season remains his personal choice.

Measuring Fangio's Impact

The discussion on Birds 365 highlighted an important debate: How much does coaching matter versus talent? While talent remains the primary driver of success, Fangio represents the gold standard among defensive coordinators.

For over a decade, offensive coordinators have followed the Shanahan-McVay tree. On defense, everyone wants Fangio-style coordinators. He's been the defensive equivalent of those offensive innovators, consistently maximizing his personnel regardless of the situation.

If the Eagles had an 11-win defense with Fangio (and they arguably had better than that), losing him might drop them to 8-9 wins defensively. The talent would help minimize the decline, but the drop-off would be noticeable.

Succession Planning Challenges

The potential loss of Fangio creates interesting personnel decisions. Players like Nakobe Dean, who has thrived under Fangio's system, might be harder to retain if the defensive coordinator changes. When you know a coach won't be around long-term, it influences how you build your roster.

The Eagles' approach to finding a replacement would likely mirror their offensive coordinator search. They'd swing for established names like Jonathan Gannon or Jim Schwartz before pivoting to ascending young coaches if those options aren't available.

Clint Hurt emerges as the leading internal candidate. The current defensive line coach previously served as Seattle's defensive coordinator, though those defenses struggled without Legion of Boom-level talent. His 40-year coaching history and recent Senior Bowl head coaching role demonstrate his credentials.

The Bigger Picture

While the Fangio situation deserves attention, the Eagles face more pressing succession planning needs. Replacing potential departures like A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson, or Dallas Goedert would present bigger challenges than finding a new defensive coordinator.

These personnel decisions highlight why JAKIB Sports membership provides valuable insight into roster construction and team building philosophy.

Looking Ahead

If Fangio returns—which appears likely—this upcoming season could be his farewell tour. At nearly 70 years old, expecting him to coach beyond 2025 seems unrealistic. That makes this year crucial for developing in-house candidates and preparing for an inevitable transition.

The Eagles have built a defensive identity under Fangio's guidance. Young players like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have developed within his system, providing a foundation for future success regardless of who takes over.

For now, Eagles fans can breathe easier knowing their defensive architect appears set to return. But the clock is ticking on this era of Eagles defense, making every game with Fangio potentially precious.

Stay Connected

Catch the full episode of Birds 365 and never miss a take. Watch on YouTube, or listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify.

For exclusive Eagles coverage and analysis, check out JAKIB Sports membership.