2024: Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel Addresses Vic Fangio’s Departure and Outlines Plans for the Future

Miami, Florida – January 12, 2024

In a statement released today, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed his gratitude for the contributions of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio during the 2023 season while emphasizing the team’s focus on identifying a new defensive leader and building a winning team with sustained success.

“I want to thank Vic for his contributions in 2023. When we assessed the season, it became apparent that this was the best path forward for all parties involved. Now, we turn our focus to 2024 and beyond with urgency as we identify the best candidate to lead our defense moving forward. We remain steadfastly committed to the development of our players and to building a winning team with sustained success.”

Fangio, a veteran defensive coordinator with over three decades of experience in the NFL, joined the Dolphins in 2023 after spending the previous three seasons as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. However, the Dolphins’ defense struggled in 2023, ranking among the league’s worst in several key statistical categories.

Despite the defensive struggles, the Dolphins finished the season with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing out on a playoff berth. McDaniel, who was hired as the Dolphins’ head coach in 2022, guided the team to a 9-8 record in his first season as well.

With Fangio’s departure, the Dolphins now have a vacancy at defensive coordinator, a position that is considered to be one of the most important on any NFL team. The Dolphins have already begun the search for Fangio’s replacement, and they are expected to cast a wide net in their search for a new defensive leader.

Potential Candidates for the Dolphins’ Defensive Coordinator Position

Some potential candidates for the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator position include:

• Sean Desai: Desai served as the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears in 2021 and was considered to be one of the top candidates for the Dolphins’ head coaching job in 2022. He is currently the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
• Kris Richard: Richard was the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2015 to 2017, and he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013. He is currently the defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints.
• Rex Ryan: Ryan was the head coach of the New York Jets from 2009 to 2014 and the Buffalo Bills from 2015 to 2016. He is known for his aggressive defensive schemes, which helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game twice. Ryan is currently an analyst for ESPN.

The Dolphins are expected to take their time in selecting Fangio’s replacement, and they will likely interview several candidates before making a final decision. The team’s goal is to find a defensive coordinator who can help them improve their defense and take the team to the playoffs in 2024.

Call to Action:

Who do you think should be the Dolphins’ next defensive coordinator? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!