Already crowned AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio now finds himself at the center of a larger conversation about coaching greatness in today’s NFL.

“Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has been selected as the 2026 Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award recipient by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA),” reported Adam Schefter on June 2.

The PFWA’s Paul ‘Dr.Z’ Zimmerman Award is given for a lifetime achievement as an assistant coach in the league. The award is named after Zimmerman, who has covered the NFL for 29 years as a lead pro football writer for Sports Illustrated.

Fangio was honored as the 28th recipient of the Dr.Z Award. He was selected over the two other 2026 finalists, retired offensive position coach/coordinator Terry Robiskie and the late defensive line coach John Teerlinck. 

He is entering his 40th NFL season overall in 2026, and recently said he expects to coach for at least two more years, citing positive health results. During his four-decade tenure, he has coached five Pro Football Hall of Famers, including Kevin Greene, Rickey Jackson, Ray Lewis, Sam Mills, and Patrick Willis.

Back in 2018, Fangio was selected as the PFWA NFL Assistant Coach of the Year. In the meantime, he has coached in two Super Bowls: Super Bowl XLVII, where Fangio's San Francisco 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens, and Super Bowl LIX, where Fangio's Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. 

In his first year as the Eagles' defensive coordinator in 2024, Fangio helped lead the franchise to a Super Bowl title. Under his guidance, the defense ranked No.1 in the league after ranking 26th in 2023.

Fangio now joins Jim Johnson, offensive line coach Howard Mudd, defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur, and offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese, who comprised the inaugural class of the Paul “Dr.  Z” Zimmerman Award in 2014.

Last year's honors were presented to retired Richie Petitbon and current Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.

Inside the Coaching Style That Earned Fangio NFL Recognition

Fangio's schemes and coaching styles are often known to be aggressive and grueling, which demand high preparation. His schemes also prioritize adaptability but cater to the player's strengths.

Joe Kasper, Eagles' defensive back coach, who has worked for four years with Fangio, praised his zeal to win and his schemes for building a strong defense.

“Vic is an amazing teacher and coach of coaches, not just of players,” Kasper said during the Eagles OTA media session. “But just for the coaches to sit in there every day in his process is really unique. And for me, it was like, ‘Man, I can't wait to learn from this guy. I can't wait to be a part of his system."

Kasper further added that while Fangio's methods may seem demanding on the players and coaches, they are directed towards the goal of winning.

Such praise from the coaching staff highlights the team's trust and the impact of Fangio on building championship-caliber defenses.

Share your thoughts on Fangio's latest honor.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar