Vic Fangio

Victor John Fangio (born August 22, 1958) is an American football coach who is the head coach of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). A 40-year coaching veteran with 32 seasons of NFL experience, Fangio has been a defensive coordinator for 20 of the last 24 seasons at the NFL or college level. He most recently served as the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator for the last four years (2015–18) after leading the defenses for the San Francisco 49ers (2011–14), Stanford University (2010), Houston Texans (2002–05), Indianapolis Colts (1999–2001) and Carolina Panthers (1995–98).

Fangio’s defenses have consistently been among the most productive in the NFL in a number of categories, including scoring defense, total yards allowed and fewest penalties. His defenses have ranked in the league’s top-five in yards allowed in eight of the last 12 years while placing in the NFL’s top-5 in fewest points allowed seven times over that span.

Early career

In 1975, Fangio played the defensive position of safety at Dunmore High School in northeast Pennsylvania. From 1979 to 1981, he returned to his high school as the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. In 1982, he was the defensive coordinator at Milford Academy, and in 1984 he became a defensive assistant coach for the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars of the United States Football League (USFL).

New Orleans Saints

Fangio began his NFL career with New Orleans as the team’s linebackers coach from 1986-1994 during which time he coached the famed “Dome Patrol,” one of the greatest defensive groups of all-time. During Fangio’s nine seasons in New Orleans, the Saints ranked among the NFL’s Top 5 in total defense (300.0 ypg – 5th), scoring defense (18.1 ppg – 4th), sacks (408 – 3rd) and takeaways (336 – T-3rd).

Carolina Panthers

Fangio joined the Carolina Panthers in 1995, the inaugural season for the Panthers. He was their defensive coordinator from 1995-98 and helped the franchise advanced to the NFC Championship Game in just its second season.

Indianapolis Colts

Fangio coached the defense for the Colts from 1999-2001 under Head Coach Jim Mora Sr.

Houston Texans

Fangio joined another first-year team in the Houston Texans in 2002. He coached the defense in Houston from 2002-05.

Baltimore Ravens

Fangio joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2006 and worked as a special assistant to the head coach/defensive assistant for his first three years with the Ravens and then coached a linebackers group in 2009 that featured All-Pro Ray Lewis.

Stanford and San Francisco 49ers

In 2010, he was the defensive coordinator for the Stanford Cardinal under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and in 2011 he followed Harbaugh to the San Francisco 49ers when Harbaugh was hired as the 49ers' head coach. Along with Harbaugh, he was credited with turning around the 49ers defense, producing a league-high 35 turnovers in 2011. Fangio was released from his contract by the 49ers on January 15, 2015 after Harbaugh was let go.

Chicago Bears

On January 19, 2015, Fangio agreed in principle to become the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears. After the departure of outside linebackers coach Clint Hurtt in 2017, Fangio assumed that position in addition to his role as defensive coordinator. During Fangio's first three seasons in Chicago, the Bears defense improved from a 30th-ranked unit in 2014 to being 14th, 15th, and 10th in total defense.

His contract expired following the 2017 season and he interviewed for the Bears' head coaching position on January 3, 2018. The head coaching position ultimately went to the Matt Nagy. Nine days later, he signed a three-year extension with the Bears to continue as their defensive coordinator, making him the first Bears defensive coordinator to stay under a new head coach since Buddy Ryan with newly-arriving head Mike Ditka in 1982. Fangio was also granted complete control of the defense. Under Fangio, the 2018 Bears defense excelled as it led the NFL in turnovers forced (36) and interceptions (27). Chicago was also ranked third in total defense, second in yards per play allowed, and first in scoring defense. On January 17, 2019, Fangio was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association. A month later, he received the same honor from the Associated Press at the 8th Annual NFL Honors.

Denver Broncos

On January 10, 2019, the Denver Broncos reached an agreement with Fangio to become the team's next head coach. As Fangio assembled his staff, defensive backs coach Ed Donatell followed him from Chicago to serve as his defensive coordinator, as did outside linebackers coach Brandon Staley for the same position. Fangio finished his first season as Broncos coach with a 7–9 record.

Head coaching record