The Miami Dolphins, just two weeks after being eliminated from the postseason, parted ways with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio on Wednesday, leaving a large hole in the coaching staff.
Fangio joined head coach Mike McDaniel’s regime last offseason and helped Miami’s defense survive through a number of injuries to key players.
Now, without the veteran coach, the Dolphins will be looking for a replacement. We put together a short list of options that Miami may look at in the coming weeks.
Dolphins LB Anthony Campanile
Campanile shined on “Hard Knocks” this year for his intensity and leadership skills, especially in the big group settings. He interviewed for the position last year and interviewed for the same role with the New York Giants this year.
The 41-year-old has been with the team since 2020, so he’s seen two different systems and can take from both.
Former Chargers HC Brandon Staley
Staley was recently fired as head coach of the Chargers after his teams didn’t reach their full potential under his tutelage. However, that doesn’t mean he’s a terrible defensive mind.
In 2020, when he was the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, his defense held teams to the fewest yards per game (292.9) and the second-fewest points per game (19.3). Jalen Ramsey was also part of that defense, and their relationship could have an impact in a move.
Dolphins OLB coach Ryan Slowik
We already see one Slowik rising up the ranks, as Ryan’s brother, Bobby, is getting head coaching interviews after his year as Houston Texans offensive coordinator, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see another move up.
Slowik has been with the Dolphins for just two seasons, but took over outside linebackers for 2023. This year, Miami got some great performances from their edge rushers, and Slowik was in charge of the group, so he deserves some credit.
Former Giants DC Wink Martindale
Martindale is an extremely experienced coach, who agreed to part ways with the Giants just over two weeks ago. Prior to his two seasons with New York, he held the defensive coordinator title with the Baltimore Ravens for four years and one with the Denver Broncos back in 2010.
That type of experience can be very useful to McDaniel and his staff, but he’ll need to be able to do some of the things that Fangio wasn’t.
