Vic Fangio Might Be About To Shift The NFC Landscape In The Bears’ Favor
The past 25 years have been defined by an underlying truth. If you wanted to reach the Super Bowl in the NFC, you most likely would have to get through the Philadelphia Eagles at some point. They’ve been the most consistent contender in the conference in that time, but especially over the past nine seasons, with Super Bowl victories in 2017 and 2024. One of the central figures in that storyline is Vic Fangio, who transformed the Eagles’ defense into one of the NFL’s elite. His presence was expected to keep the team in contention for years to come.
Unfortunately, it looks like those assumptions were premature. John Clark of NBC Philadelphia revealed that the 67-year-old Fangio is contemplating retirement. If that is true, it would immediately alter the entire outlook of the NFC. Most assumed the Eagles would remain in the picture as a gatekeeper, but that changes if the defense takes a dip. Their offense was rough last season, and now they’re hoping 33-year-old Sean Mannion can turn it around. It may not matter if the defense fades.
Vic Fangio leaving would do the Bears a favor.
While the Eagles aren’t a direct obstacle to a Super Bowl like Green Bay and Detroit, it was assumed that Chicago would have to get through them at some point. Removing Fangio from the equation makes Philadelphia look far less imposing, despite its obviously talented roster. Rumblings have persisted that head coach Nick Sirianni has fostered a toxic culture behind the scenes, which has led to infighting and a lack of cohesion. It is likely why top offensive coordinator candidates chose to avoid going there.
It might also be why Vic Fangio is thinking about stepping away. He’s having that classic Murtaugh “I’m too old for this s**t” moment. If he does step away, Bears fans should celebrate. Fangio was instrumental to the team’s division title in 2018, leading the #1 defense in the NFL. Ironically, his exit from another team could be a small catalyst in getting Chicago further in the postseason. More than anything, this is a man who feels destined for the Hall of Fame.