3 Jack Del Rio replacements Commanders should have on speed dial

1. Vic Fangio

Fangio is without question the most attractive Del Rio replacement for the Commanders. The 63-year-old didn’t pan out as a head coach for a variety of reasons — the Broncos relieved him of his duties following the 2022 season — his resume and reputation as a defensive coordinator are undeniable.

Of Fangio’s 22 years of coaching experience in the NFL, 19 have been spent as a defensive coordinator. His most impressive accomplishments include having the 49ers ranking no worse than fifth in the league in yards allowed per game over four years and taking a dismal Bears unit that ranked 30th in yards allowed the year before he was hired to third in his final year just three years later.

In 2021, the Broncos ranked third in points allowed, eighth in yards, fifth in first downs and passing touchdowns, first in rushing TDs and fifth in average points allowed per drive. You could argue Washington’s defense is more talented than Denver’s, so Fangio should work wonders in Ashburn if the franchise opts to move on from Del Rio in light of his wholly unnecessary controversy.

The only hiccup? Fangio has reportedly denied several defensive coordinator offers this offseason and is likely to spend the 2022-23 season out of coaching before returning next year as the most coveted DC on the market.

Who knows? Maybe the idea of coaching alongside Rivera and mentoring Jonathan Allen, Kendall Fuller, Chase Young and Co. will be enough of a sell to convince him to save the Commanders from this Del Rio debacle.