NFL Head Coach Rumors: Bears' Vic Fangio Targeted by Dolphins, Broncos

As the Chicago Bears prepare for their first playoff game in eight years, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has emerged as a popular head coaching candidate. 

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos have requested permission to interview Fangio. 

Since the Bears host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the NFC Wild Card Game, Fangio won't be available to speak with teams this week. 

The Broncos and Dolphins made coaching changes after back-to-back disappointing seasons.

Denver general manager John Elway announced Vance Joseph's dismissal after going 11-21 since 2017. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced an organizational restructuring, with Adam Gase fired after three seasons and general manager Mike Tannenbaum reassigned. 

Fangio has been one of the NFL's best defensive coordinators since his first year with the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. His teams have finished in the top 10 in points and yards allowed six times in the past eight seasons. 

The Bears had the league's top scoring defense in 2018 with 17.7 points allowed per game. They also led the NFL with 27 interceptions, 36 takeaways and tied for third with 50 sacks. 

Despite a sustained period of success in the NFL, Fangio has never been a head coach at any level. He's been Chicago's defensive coordinator since 2015.