The Miami Dolphins and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have decided to mutually part ways after just one season together. The decision comes as the Dolphins assess their 2023 season and plan for the future. In a statement, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel expressed his gratitude to Fangio for his contributions and emphasized the team's commitment to building a winning team with sustained success.

Fangio, who previously served as a consultant with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, is now expected to reach a deal with the team. The Eagles currently have a vacancy at the defensive coordinator position, making it an ideal fit for Fangio. ESPN has reported the likelihood of this agreement taking place.

During his tenure with the Dolphins, Fangio faced the challenge of dealing with multiple injuries to key players on the defense. As a result, the Dolphins finished the 2023 season with a defense that ranked 22nd in points allowed, 15th in passing, seventh in rushing, 20th in third-down efficiency, and 28th in red zone efficiency. The season ended with a disappointing 26-point loss to the Chiefs in the Super Wild Card Weekend, where the defense surrendered 26 points while the offense only managed to score seven.

Prior to joining the Dolphins, Fangio served as the head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2019 to 2021. His extensive NFL experience dates back to 1986, with the exception of one season at Stanford University in 2010. In 2012, Fangio was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where he played a crucial role in leading the team to Super Bowl LVII.

With the Dolphins now seeking a new defensive coordinator, several potential candidates have emerged. Brandon Staley, who recently served as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, has a strong defensive background and previously led a top-ranked defense with the Rams in 2020. Additionally, in-house candidate Anthony Campanile, who has been the Dolphins linebackers coach since 2020, is being considered for a promotion that would emphasize continuity within the team.

Another notable candidate is Ron Rivera, who reportedly interviewed for the Eagles' defensive coordinator position. Rivera, known for his defensive expertise, previously had success as a head coach and the Washington Commanders had top-ranked defenses in both 2020 and 2022. Finally, Derek Evero, currently the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, has garnered attention for his unit's impressive performance, particularly in pass defense.

As the Dolphins enter the offseason with urgency to identify the best candidate to lead their defense, fans and analysts await the final decision while speculating on the potential impact of the new coordinator. Meanwhile, Fangio's imminent deal with the Eagles adds another layer of intrigue to the coaching carousel in the NFL.