New York Giants: 10 Potential Defensive Coordinator Replacements For Perry Fewell

December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi

Vic Fangio

Current Position: Defensive Coordinator San Francisco 49ers

Like Schwartz, Fangio’s head coach will not be with the team next year, making him a potential free agent. The only difference with Fangio is that he holds his future in his own hands. Fangio wants to fill the 49ers’ head coaching vacancy and will be interviewing for job. If he doesn’t get the job, he more than likely will not be back with the 49ers.

If that is the case, the Giants should be one of a number of teams lining up for Fangio’s services. Despite all of the animosity and discontent between Jim Harbaugh and management, the 49ers’ defense was still one of the best units in the NFL. They ranked in the top-10 in both yards and points allowed.

This was arguably the most impressive job Fangio did in his four years as coordinator with the 49ers, as he did it this season with Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith missing large chunks of time, and Navarro Bowman not even suiting up this season. Ahmad Brooks also saw his production drop off from previous seasons.

Instead Fangio turned the secondary into the strength of the 49ers defense, leading the NFL in interceptions with 23. The 49ers defense would have been a mess missing so much talent with a lesser coach. He would be a strong hire for the Giants, even if it means them transitioning from the 4-3 defense they have been running defensively for the longest time.

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