It's not surprising, considering the monumental track record of success he built in a relatively short time with the San Francisco 49ers, that Vic Fangio is a hot NFL commodity now that he's available.
The former Niners defensive coordinator has drawn interest from a number of teams in recent days with one, the Washington Redskins, showing a particularly "serious intent" in locking up his services.
Fangio met with Skins brass Saturday, per Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, and if La Canfora's characterization of the strength of their desire to add him to their staff is accurate, Washington may not be letting him leave.
La Canfora was one of the first NFL pundits to connect the potential dots and see a fit for Fangio in D.C. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier this week that the team had contacted the deposed San Francisco coordinator in the wake of his firing.
Interestingly, the team actually requested permission from the Niners to interview him earlier in the process but San Francisco, who hadn't yet named Jim Tomsula head coach and were rumored to be considering Fangio as a candidate, said no.
Fangio's history in the NFL and with the Niners in particular, is, to put it lightly, fantastic.
In four seasons at the defensive helm, Fangio's 49ers finished in the top five in fewest yards allowed per game each year. In fewest total points surrendered, they finished second, second, third and tenth.
Also, the Skins employed a 3-4 base defensive scheme for the past five seasons under former defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett - the same base scheme preferred by Fangio - meaning that the personnel already in place in Washington fits the defensive philosophy he is comfortable with and, presumably, again wants to build around.
Fangio is also reported to have interviewed for the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator position, prior to meeting with the Redskins, but Dennis Allen is rumored to be the favorite in the Windy City.
Eric Mangini, Wade Phillips, Joe Barry, Raheem Morris and former 49ers defensive back's coach Ed Donatell have also interviewed with the Redskins, per NBC Sports.
