Wednesday sounds like a big day for the Miami Dolphins, as the team is reportedly set to interview Vic Fangio and Sean Desai for its vacant defensive coordinator position.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport delivered the intel.
#Seahawks associate head coach and defensive assistant Sean Desai and former #Broncos HC and long-time NFL DC Vic Fangio are both interviewing for the #Dolphins defensive coordinator job today, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2023
According to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has a “really good relationship” with Fangio. That can only be seen as good news for those hoping that Fangio lands with Miami.
McDaniel and Fangio have a really good relationship. I always saw this pairing as an eventual likelihood — and it could’ve happened last year when Mike first got the job. But Fangio has a lot of interest elsewhere now. We’ll see if Mike can close him. https://t.co/RjZkYq5ieK
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 25, 2023
Kris Richard is reportedly another name that can be added to the list of candidates the Dolphins will interview for their defensive coordinator spot. While Fangio and Desai are set to interview on Wednesday, it’s unclear when Richard’s interview will take place.
Another one: #Saints co-defensive coordinator and DBs coach Kris Richard got a request and is expected to interview for the #Dolphins DC job, source said. https://t.co/2mINt4txce
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2023
Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile is also a candidate for the position.
The Dolphins could certainly use some new life on the defensive side of the ball. The unit took a step back this season, allowing 23.5 points per game in the regular season. Only eight teams finished with worse marks.
For comparison, Miami’s defense allowed 21.9 points per game in the 2021 season and 21.1 points per game in the 2020 season. While 23.5 may seem like a similar average, the difference can end up altering an entire season.
It’s also worth noting that the Dolphins had some games this season in which their defense didn’t give their offense much of a chance to hang around. Miami allowed more than 30 points in five regular season games.
The team also allowed 34 points in its lone playoff game, which ended up being a three-point loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins are clearly eyeing some quality candidates to be their new leader on defense, and fans are certainly hoping that McDaniel and company will make the right hire.
Making the playoffs this season was a major step in the right direction for the Dolphins. Now, the team is looking to take things to the next level.
Miami’s offense has the potential to be one of the most explosive units in the league when everything is clicking. If the team can get its defense on a similar level, the Dolphins are going to be a dangerous squad going forward.
