All Philadelphia Eagles fans are praying that the team can get through this tough moment as they wait to hear about a crucial final decision.
Philly Voice's Eagles reporter, Jimmy Kempski, reported that the team had to convince defensive coordinator Vic Fangio not to retire after he told the Eagles he would at the conclusion of the season. There is still a chance that Fangio might retire during the offseason, but for now is leaning towards a return in 2026.
After losing Christian Parker to the Dallas Cowboys to be their defensive coordinator, Eagles fans are worried about losing any more from a defense that has been in the top 15 over the last two years. With retirement looming for Fangio, everyone is giving their opinions on the situation.
Emmanuel Acho chimes in on Vic Fangio's decision
Speakeasy podcast host Emmanuel Acho shared his thoughts on the Fangio situation. Acho warns that Fangio's retirement could have troubling consequences for the Eagles.
"Vic Fangio was the secret weapon for the Philadelphia Eagles. If Vic Fangio is gone, the Eagles' postseason success is gone. Amidst of all the chaos of the Philadelphia Eagles offense, whether it's Jalen Hurts underperforming, Saquon Barkley and the offensive line not getting going, A.J. Brown's turmoil and be disgruntled in the locker room. The defense has no ego, has no issues, has not flaws really as it pertains to the entirety of a season. They just shut up, going out there, and play football at an entirely, extremely high level. Not to mention, Vic Fangio has gotten the best out of players we didn't know how great they were going to be. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo, overlooked, turned into an All-Pro. Cooper DeJean, Iowa, white cornerback huh? Turns into an All-Pro. Jaelan Phillips who Vic Fangio said let me get him. Jordan Davis has turned it on for Vic Fangio these last two years. If the Eagles lose Vic Fangio, the Eagles lose the long-term success because we have had defensive coordinators prior, but there was not a Super Bowl that was won until Vic Fangio showed up."
It should be noted that the Eagles had a defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, who helped them win a Super Bowl in the 2017 season. Ironically, Schwartz was one of two coaches the Eagles contacted to gauge his interest in running the defense after reports that he was unhappy in Cleveland when the Browns passed him over for the head coach opening.
The importance of Fangio can't be magnified even more than it is. For the second consecutive year, he has been nominated for Assistant Coach of the Year with the Eagles, as his unit has carried the Eagles to a Super Bowl title in 2024 and to the playoffs in 2025.
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Losing Fangio would be a crushing blow the Eagles can't afford to have after replacing the offensive coordinator as well.