NEWSLETTER
While Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio remains laser-focused on finding ways to successfully defend a high-powered Philadelphia Eagles offense, we’re tasked with the responsibility of following the interest other teams have in him as a head coach.
We know better than to to use gambling odds as predictive. But for what it’s worth, Broncos Wire’s Jon Heath notes that BetDSI Sportsbook has Fangio as the odds-on favorite to become the next head coach of the Denver Broncos. At +150, Fangio beats out Zac Taylor (+250), Chuck Pagano (+400), Mike Munchak (+500), Brian Flores (+750), and Mike McCarthy (+1000). So a $100 bet pays out $250 if Fangio indeed becomes the next Broncos head coach. From a wagering point of view, you could do worse. But I reckon you could do better.
Elsewhere, one report out of Kansas City has Fangio as “the leader in the clubhouse” for the Denver Broncos opening:
A source tells me that current Bears DC Vic Fangio is the leader in the clubhouse for the Broncos head coaching vacancy. Fangio is scheduled to meet with the Broncos on Monday.
— Ryan Witkowski (@RyanWitkowski) January 2, 2019
Alright, so Fangio is the betting favorite by one account and a leading candidate in they eyes of another. But is there a fit? Glad you asked! Scotty Payne of SB Nation’s Mile High Report reads between the lines, dissects some words from GM/President of Football Operations John Elway regarding what he is looking for in a coach, and comes to the conclusion that Fangio is the ideal fit for the Broncos job. Still with me? Good.
Here is an excerpt from Elway on what he was looking for in his next head coach:
“I want them to be great on one side of the ball and great at what they do – whatever that position may be – whether it be a coordinator or whatever they’ve done. I look for greatness on that side. For me, I look for experience. I want the guys that understand the game, they understand Xs and Os but also have the ability to lead men. That’s a big part of it in today’s world. Those are two things that I look for, and there are guys we have feel for.”
Great on one side of the ball? Check. Experience? I’d say 32 years of coaching at the NFL level, including 19 as a defensive coordinator for five teams years is plenty of experience. Understanding of the game? Fangio has probably seen every offense that can be thrown at a defense at least twice. Ability to lead men? Fangio’s players have issued ringing endorsements of their coordinator’s work over the years. Based on the criteria laid out by Elway, it sure sounds like Fangio checks all the boxes.
To be clear, it’s still early in the process. In addition to not having officially interviewed with any teams to this point, Fangio quipped he isn’t even answering phone calls regarding his interest in a head-coaching position elsewhere. While his commitment to focusing on Sunday’s game certainly admirable, it’s only a matter of time before teams can officially act on their interest in Fangio and he will soon be able to interview. And even though we aren’t there yet, the rumblings are just getting started.
