Atlanta Falcons to Interview Vic Fangio for Defensive Coordinator

The Atlanta Falcons are considering one of the league's most established coaches for their defensive coordinator vacancy. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team is interviewing former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio.

The #Falcons are interviewing long-time respected defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for their vacant DC job today, sources say. The former #Broncos head coach served as defensive consultant with the #Eagles this season. Would be one of the top candidates in any DC search.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2023

Fangio entered the NFL's coaching ranks way back in 1986. After nine years of coaching the New Orleans Saints' famous Dome Patrol linebackers, he earned his first defensive coordinator opportunity with the Carolina Panthers in 1995. As a DC or HC, he has led six units to top three finishes in points allowed and 10 teams to top 10 finishes.

Fangio earned his first head coaching opportunity at the age of 61 with the Denver Broncos in 2019. Though he compiled only a 19-30 record, he demonstrated he still has the chops as a defensive coach: the team ranked third in points allowed in 2021, his final season with the team.

The Falcons have a young, offensive-minded head coach in 40-year-old Arthur Smith, so it makes sense to balance out their coaching staff with one of the NFL's most experienced and respected veterans. The Falcons defense ranked 23rd in points allowed and 27th in yards allowed in 2022.