Vic Fangio Retirement Scare: McMullen Puts Return at 80% But Brian Flores' $6.5M Deal Could Complicate Talks

The biggest story rocking the Philadelphia Eagles' offseason broke wide open Monday morning: Vic Fangio, the architect of the NFL's most dominant defense, informed the team he was considering retirement. On Birds 365, John McMullen and Zander Krause spent the opening of their Monday show dissecting the bombshell report from Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice, and McMullen put a number on it that should give Eagles fans cautious optimism.

McMullen: 80% Fangio Returns

McMullen, who has deep sources within the Eagles organization, laid out the timeline. Fangio originally informed the team he was retiring after the season. The Eagles, understanding the magnitude of what they would lose, immediately went to work talking him out of it.

If I use the percent — 80% he'll be back. I think there's a little bit of room for him to change his mind again because he seems to be constantly changing his mind, so why can't he change his mind again? But I know from the Eagles' side, they're gonna do what it takes. — John McMullen

The fact that the Eagles have refused to confirm Fangio's return as defensive coordinator tells you everything about where this situation stands. McMullen noted the organization is aware there is still 'some trepidation' and the possibility of a reversal, but they are doing everything in their power to bring the 67-year-old back for one more season.

The Super Bowl Party Clue Nobody Noticed

McMullen revealed a fascinating detail that puts the timeline of Fangio's deliberation into sharper focus. At the Eagles' Super Bowl championship party, Fangio was already saying his goodbyes to members of the coaching staff.

Look at the Super Bowl party. After winning, he was already talking to some coaches and saying, 'Hey, it was great working with you.' He was thinking about walking out on top. The Eagles have been well aware that this is not a long shelf life. — John McMullen

That revelation suggests Fangio's retirement consideration is not a sudden development but rather something that has been simmering since the Eagles captured their second Lombardi Trophy. The coaching grind, particularly at age 67, is relentless, and Fangio knows better than anyone what it demands.

The Brian Flores Factor: Money Could Become an Issue

Just as the Eagles thought they had the Fangio situation trending in the right direction, a new wrinkle emerged. Brian Flores signed a contract with Minnesota worth $6.5 million per year, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in NFL history.

Fangio had previously held that distinction at $4.5 million per year. Now Flores has blown past him by $2 million annually.

Another part that could complicate this is that all of a sudden, Brian Flores got paid six and a half million, so he's now the highest-paid defensive coordinator. So you might have to do some contract adjustment as well. — John McMullen

Krause was direct about what the Eagles should do if money becomes the sticking point: pay the man.

You want to keep the 68-year-old around for another year, you give him his seven million or whatever he's gonna need. I would do it. — Zander Krause

Impact on Free Agency and the March 11 Deadline

One of the more pressing questions is whether the Fangio uncertainty could affect the Eagles' ability to sign free agents this spring. McMullen downplayed that concern, noting that the vast majority of players go where the money is.

'Ninety percent of guys are going where they're getting the best deal,' McMullen said. He also emphasized that there is still time before free agency opens on March 11 for the situation to be resolved, predicting it will be 'much clearer' by that date.

The Bottom Line

The Eagles are in a holding pattern, and they know it. Fangio is the best defensive coordinator in football — McMullen has said repeatedly that 'number two ain't close' — and losing him would fundamentally alter the trajectory of the 2026 season. The organization has clearly communicated to Fangio that they want him back. The question is whether a 67-year-old man, who was already saying goodbye at the Super Bowl party, can be convinced that one more year of the coaching grind is worth it.

At 80% likelihood of returning, the odds favor Philadelphia. But as McMullen cautioned, Fangio has changed his mind before. Until the team officially confirms his return, Eagles fans will have to hold their breath.