The Miami Dolphins introduced Vic Fangio as their new defensive coordinator Monday.
During his introductory press conference (h/t Pro Football Talk), Fangio explained what led him to join Mike McDaniel’s staff after a year out of the league.
“I think the Dolphins have a good thing going here,” Fangio said. “I like Mike and his staff that he already has in place here. … There’s a good nucleus of players here. And the lure of South Florida.”
While he doesn’t have a pre-existing relationship with McDaniel, Fangio looks forward to working with the head coach.
“He’s energetic, genuine,” Fangio said of McDaniel. “Obviously he’s got a good football mind, puts good offensive football together, and hopefully we can complement that.”
Fangio said he hadn’t studied Miami’s defense specifically, instead spending his time away by watching tape from across the league. He used his break “like a college professor on a sabbatical.”
Fangio was a defensive coordinator for five NFL teams before becoming the Denver Broncos’ head coach in 2019. He called defensive plays during his three seasons at Denver, so he’s not concerned about adjusting to his older role.
The 64-year-old reunites with former Broncos Pro Bowler Bradley Chubb to steer a defense that ranked 18th in yards allowed last season. Miami hasn’t boasted a top-10 defense since 2010.