How the Dolphins "Stole" Fangio from Sean Payton

Sean Payton really wanted to work with Vic Fangio in his return to coaching, but it was the Miami Dolphins who ended up with his services

INDIANAPOLIS — Sean Payton's loss turned out to be the Miami Dolphins' gain.

During his media session at the 2023 scouting combine at the Indiana Convention Center, Payton discussed the search for a defensive coordinator that ultimately ended with the hiring of Vance Joseph, mentioning along the way candidates like Rex Ryan and rising coaching star Sean Desai.

And then he threw out this line: "Vic was supposed to be part of the plan and you guys scared him away."

PAYTON A BIG FAN OF FANGIO'S WORK

This, of course, prompted us to ask Payton how extensive his discussions were with Fangio about him joining his staff and what the Dolphins were getting in Fangio.

Payton's answer spoke volumes and kind of suggested that one reason it didn't work out for him — but worked out great for the Dolphins — was the idea of Fangio returning to Denver just two years after he was fired as head coach.

"Let's start with the Dolphins,' Payton began. "They're getting a tremendous coach. I mean, you keep hearing everyone's running Fangio's defense and then Fangio and I are retired just sitting out there. I used to give him a hard time, I'm like, 'God, Vic, half the teams in this league are running your defense and you haven't met half those people.'

"Look, I consider him a friend. We've never worked together. But Vic Fangio was from Scranton, Pennsylvania, which is where my mom and dad were from. My dad went to the same high school as Vic Fangio, Dunmore High, and my cousin taught Vic Fangio sixth grade math in Scranton. I've never lived in Scranton, all right ... they filmed 'The Office there,' I think, which was a good show.

"Do I think he would have been a great asset for us? Yes. And so we were planning this year away if the right scenario came up that we'd work together. And I think this one was just a little unique because it wasn't too long ago he was here. But certainly I tried to talk to him, tried to twist his arm and I'm excited for his opportunity in Miami. I think he's a talented coach. We went against each other for years, like our teams, and he was always a challenge."

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