A new wrinkle in the still-evolving explanation as to why Vic Fangio and the Miami Dolphins broke up last week:
Criticism from Dolphins players should be taken with a grain of salt, former NFL quarterback and longtime Fangio ally Ron Jaworski suggested on 94WIP radio Tuesday.
Why?
Because they were more interested in living the Miami lifestyle than putting in the work, per Jaworski.
Ron Jaworski on Miami Dolphins-Vic Fangio Split
In the hours and days after Fangio and the Dolphins announced their mutual decision to split last week, some of Fangio’s players in Miami took some shots at him.
Jevon Holland suggested he should kick rocks. Cam Smith said a lot with his “unlocked” emoji tweet.
And Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill said the following:
“I’m not surprised he landed in Philly. People talk around the league behind closed doors. They was like, ‘Vic trying to get to Philly anyways.’
“I just want to say shoutout to Coach Vic for making a pit stop in Miami. I learned a lot from him, even though it was quick. He’s really a guru at defense. He’s just got to learn how to fit in with his players.”
Fangio has yet to comment publicly on the rift, but Jaworski, a friend of some four decades, didn’t bite his tongue during a Tuesday radio appearance.
“Coaches coach,” Jaworski said. “I have connections as well around this league and I hear another side of that story, that there were some players on that defense that didn’t want to work. Didn’t want to put the time in, didn’t want to put the effort in, didn’t want to make the commitment to be successful.
“Guys like to party at night and South Beach is really a great place to party. And Vic tried to get those guys and push those guys to become harder workers and better athletes, and more committed to their team. And he couldn’t get through to those guys. Those were the guys that Vic was pushing, and they’re the guys that are whining right now.”
Fangio wasn’t unemployed for long. The Eagles hired him as their new DC just days after his departure from Miami.
MORE: Miami Dolphins Should Have Played Hardball With Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles
“You won’t find a better man, a football lifer, a guy dedicated to his profession, a great designed, not an ego that impacts anyone else,” Jaworski said.
The Dolphins are conducting a wide search for Fangio’s replacement, and have a candidate that’s at least six deep.
Coaches tied to the Dolphins opening in published reports:
- Bills linebackers coach Bobby Babich
- Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile
- Former Bills defensive coordinator and ex-Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier
- Dolphins outside linebackers coach Ryan Slowik
- Ex-Chargers head coach Brandon Staley
- Former Texans defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
Listen to the PFN Dolphins Podcast
Listen to the PFN Dolphins Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Dolphins Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Dolphins Podcast on our NFL YouTube channel.