The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to offseason turbulence, but even by their standards, this latest twist in the coaching saga is a doozy. Just days after navigating a bumpy offensive coordinator search, the team now finds itself in limbo on the other side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the veteran architect of some of the league’s most respected defenses, reportedly had to be talked out of retirement after the 2025 season.
That’s right - according to reports, the Eagles were on the brink of losing Fangio altogether. While some insiders suggest he’s staying put for now, others are signaling that it’s far from a done deal.
So, while Fangio may be penciled in for 2026, the ink is anything but dry. And that uncertainty has Philadelphia fans holding their breath.
The Eagles, clearly preparing for all scenarios, have reportedly reached out to a few familiar names - including Jim Schwartz and Jonathan Gannon - as potential contingency plans if Fangio ultimately steps away. Let’s break down the top candidates who could step in and lead this defense, should the Eagles need to pivot.
Jim Schwartz - Defensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns
Let’s start with the most obvious name on the board. Jim Schwartz isn’t just a familiar face in Philly - he’s a Super Bowl-winning one. Schwartz was the defensive coordinator during the Eagles' 2017 championship run, and his aggressive, no-nonsense style still resonates with fans.
Despite a rough 2025 season for the Browns, where they managed just five wins, Schwartz’s defense was anything but the problem. Cleveland finished with the second-best defense in the league - a testament to his ability to scheme and motivate even when the offense isn’t holding up its end of the bargain.
There’s also some smoke coming out of Cleveland. After being passed over for the head coaching job, reports suggest Schwartz has told staffers he’s on his way out.
If that’s the case, Philadelphia could be a perfect landing spot. A reunion with Schwartz would mean a shift in defensive philosophy - his system differs from Fangio’s - but the payoff could be huge, especially if Myles Garrett somehow tags along.
That’s a big if, but the idea of pairing Garrett with Philly’s already loaded defensive front is enough to make any coordinator drool.
Clint Hurtt - Defensive Line Coach, Philadelphia Eagles
If continuity is the priority, Clint Hurtt is the logical next man up. Promoting from within would provide the smoothest transition, especially this late in the offseason calendar.
Hurtt has been in the building for the past two seasons and knows Fangio’s scheme inside and out. That familiarity could be crucial if the Eagles want to maintain the same defensive identity without skipping a beat.
Hurtt also brings prior coordinator experience from his time in Seattle, so this wouldn’t be a leap of faith. It’s a move that wouldn’t shake up the coaching staff too much and could keep the defense humming. With the talent already in place, Hurtt wouldn’t need to reinvent the wheel - just keep it rolling.
Anthony Weaver - Former Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins
If the Eagles decide to look outside the organization, Anthony Weaver is a name worth watching. He’s been on the radar for both head coaching and coordinator gigs in recent years, and for good reason. Weaver spent the last two seasons running Miami’s defense and previously held the DC role in Houston back in 2020.
Weaver is widely respected around the league and is seen as a rising star in coaching circles. If the Eagles want a fresh voice with the potential to grow into a long-term fixture, Weaver fits the bill. He’s got the chops, the leadership qualities, and the résumé to command a locker room.
There’s also the long-term angle: if Weaver succeeds in Philly, he could be in line for a head coaching job within a few years. That might not be ideal for long-term continuity, but in the short term, it could be exactly the kind of high-upside hire the Eagles need if Fangio walks away.
Wink Martindale - Former Defensive Coordinator, Michigan Wolverines
Then there’s Wink Martindale - a seasoned, battle-tested defensive mind with decades of experience. Most recently, he helped Michigan capture a national title as their defensive coordinator, but NFL fans know him best from his time leading top-tier defenses with the Ravens and Giants.
Martindale brings an old-school mentality with a creative edge. His blitz-heavy schemes can wreak havoc when executed well, and he’s known for getting the most out of his players.
One potential advantage? He’s not likely to be in the running for a head coaching job anytime soon, which could give the Eagles some much-needed stability at the coordinator position.
If the Eagles want a veteran hand who can command respect and deliver results without the looming threat of turnover, Martindale is a strong option.
What’s Next for the Eagles?
For now, Fangio remains in place - but the Eagles are clearly preparing for the possibility that he won’t be. Whether it’s a return to the past with Schwartz, a steady hand in Hurtt, a rising star like Weaver, or a veteran like Martindale, Philadelphia has options.
Each candidate brings a different flavor, a different philosophy, and a different future. But one thing is clear: with the talent on this Eagles defense, the right coordinator could be the difference between another playoff run and a deep Super Bowl push.
Stay tuned - the next move on Philly’s chessboard could shape the entire 2026 season.