PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles are getting set to take on the Rams in the NFL playoffs Sunday afternoon.
Vic Fangio, Philly’s defensive coordinator, grew up in Dunmore, in Lackawanna County, about 80 miles up the turnpike from the Lehigh Valley.
He also studied coaching at East Stroudsburg University before his nearly four decades as a coach in the NFL.
Vic Fangio’s story starts and continues in Pennsylvania. Fangio commuted to East Stroudsburg University to take coaching classes and pick the brain of coaching legend Denny Douds.
“He didn’t play here, but he would stop in the office, he would talk football, he was tough-minded,” Douds said.
Fangio has been a coach in the NFL for the better part of four decades, primarily leading a team’s defense, turning the Eagles D into a powerhouse in just one season.
“Hard work, don’t look at the clock, mental toughness, common traits of him too,” said Douds.
Although it’s been four decades, Douds says Fangio still visits East Stroudsburg.
“His sister, and her husband and kids, live here in town,” said Douds. “So from time to time, he sneaks into town and visits his sister too.”
Coach Douds isn’t giving us a prediction on this weekend’s game, but he is offering this observation.
“(Fangio) is a tough out. When you play the Eagles, they’ve got a great offense. But he put together a defense that was tops in the league,” Douds said. “The one they can’t afford is the mistakes.”
In a coaching career that began in the 80’s, Fangio is still looking to win his first Super Bowl, and win it in Pennsylvania.
“Every person in their profession, about 99 percent of them want to get to the top rung. And in the NFL, getting the ring is the top rung,” Douds said. “I’m betting on Vic. And they will get some turnovers.”
And get one step closer to a championship, East Stroudsburg style.
One of the key pieces of advice that the coach imparted was to never look at the clock when putting in the work. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the task at hand and giving it your all, regardless of the time or circumstances. This mindset of relentless dedication and commitment to excellence is what has propelled the Eagles’ defensive coordinator to the top of his field.
As fans eagerly await the upcoming season, it is clear that the lessons learned from this early role model will continue to shape the mindset and work ethic of the Eagles’ coaching staff. With a strong foundation of hard work and determination, there is no doubt that the team will be well-equipped to face any challenges that come their way.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Eagles’ preparations for the upcoming season, and remember: hard work knows no bounds, so don’t let the clock dictate your success.
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