Eagles Convince Fangio to Delay Retirement-For Now
The Eagles’ offseason got a jolt of uncertainty when defensive coordinator Vic Fangio reportedly told the team he was planning to retire. But in a twist that’s becoming familiar in Philadelphia, it looks like Fangio might be sticking around after all.
According to multiple sources, Fangio informed the organization after the season that he was stepping away. That news prompted the Eagles to explore other options, including checking in with a pair of familiar faces: Jonathan Gannon and Jim Schwartz.
Both coaches have deep ties to the Eagles and were at the helm of Philly’s defense during Super Bowl runs. Gannon was the DC during the 2022 season that ended in a Super Bowl appearance, while Schwartz held the role during the 2017 championship season.
But in the end, the Eagles may not need to go back to the well. Team brass reportedly convinced Fangio to reconsider, and while nothing has been officially confirmed, there’s growing optimism that he’ll return for another season. One source even put it simply: “We’ll convince him to stay.”
This wouldn’t be the first time Fangio’s flirted with retirement only to come back. After the Eagles won the Super Bowl last season, he told players and coaches he was done-but he ultimately returned. That pattern seems to be repeating itself now.
While the Eagles were weighing their options, Gannon accepted a new role as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. Schwartz, meanwhile, remains in Cleveland, though his future with the Browns is a bit murky after being passed over for their head coaching job.
At 67, Fangio remains one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL. His coaching résumé spans nearly four decades, beginning with the Saints in 1986.
Since then, he’s led defenses for the Panthers, Colts, Texans, Ravens, 49ers, Bears, Dolphins, and now, the Eagles. He even had a three-year stint as the Broncos’ head coach from 2019-2021, though his time in Denver ended with a 19-30 record and no playoff appearances.
After sitting out the 2022 season, Fangio consulted with the Eagles before taking the defensive coordinator job with the Dolphins in 2023. But just a year later, he was back in Philadelphia, hired in January 2024 to run the defense once again.
As for Gannon, his coaching journey began in 2007 with the Falcons as a defensive quality control coach. He transitioned into a scouting role with the Rams before returning to the sidelines with the Titans and Vikings.
He joined the Colts as their defensive backs coach in 2018 and landed in Philly as the defensive coordinator in 2021. The Cardinals hired him as their head coach in 2023, but after three tough seasons and a 15-36 record, he was let go following the 2025 campaign.
For now, the Eagles’ defensive future still hinges on Fangio’s final decision. But if recent history is any indication, Philadelphia might get one more year from a coach who’s still got plenty to offer. Stay tuned-this one’s not quite over yet.