As the Philadelphia Eagles continue to sort out their offensive coaching staff heading into the offseason, questions are starting to swirl around the defensive side of the ball-specifically, whether veteran coordinator Vic Fangio will return for another year.
Fangio, who’s logged 25 seasons in the NFL as a defensive coordinator or head coach, is once again at the center of retirement rumors. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo recently weighed in, offering a telling update that only added fuel to the speculation. According to Garafolo, there’s been no official word one way or the other.
“I haven't seen anything definitive that he's coming back. I haven't seen anything definitive that he's retiring,” Garafolo said. “Nothing would surprise me either way.”
That ambiguity isn’t new when it comes to Fangio. After reportedly telling people he was stepping away last year, the 67-year-old surprised many by returning to Philadelphia for the 2025 season. Garafolo described the situation as “a year-by-year type of thing,” noting that even last season, there was no confirmation Fangio would be back until he actually showed up and got to work.
If Fangio does decide to walk away this time, the Eagles will be handing over a defense that’s not short on talent-and that includes one of their rising stars in the secondary, Cooper DeJean.
DeJean, who just wrapped up a standout rookie campaign, is already sounding like a player ready to take on more responsibility. Speaking last week, he reflected on how his confidence evolved over the course of the season.
“Yeah, I think just becoming more comfortable on the field was the biggest thing,” DeJean said. “Trusting my preparation and trusting my abilities as a player.”
It’s a common hurdle for rookies, especially when they’re suddenly lining up across from players they grew up watching on Sundays. DeJean admitted that early on, the names on the back of the jerseys could be a little intimidating.
“You might not have that confidence just because it’s some big name,” he said. “But really, everybody’s just another football player on the same level that you’re on.”
That mindset shift clearly paid off. DeJean earned a Pro Bowl nod in his first year, joining fellow Eagles defenders Jalen Carter, Zack Baun, and Quinyon Mitchell in receiving the honor. It’s a testament not only to his growth, but to the overall depth and potential of this defensive unit.
Whether Fangio returns or not, the Eagles are positioned to remain a force on that side of the ball. But if he does decide to call it a career, whoever steps into his shoes will inherit a young, talented group that’s already proving it can compete with the league’s best.