Schlereth: Players ‘absolutely love’ new Broncos coach Vic Fangio
Jan 9, 2019, 2:20 PM | Updated: Jan 10, 2019, 1:51 am
No, Vic Fangio might not “win” many press conferences as the Denver Broncos newest head coach, said Mark Schlereth on Wednesday.
But what the long-time NFL coach lacks in communicating with the media he makes up in connecting with his players, said the “Schlereth and Evans” co-host.
“You talk to guys within the Chicago organization or anywhere else that he has coached… they absolutely love Vic Fangio,” Schlereth said. “They love playing for him.”
And it doesn’t matter if Fangio is 60 years old or that his coaching career spans longer than all but five NFL players’ lives, Schlereth said earlier this week if he can connect with players he can connect with players.
“You can either communicate or you can’t communicate. I don’t care if you’re 100 or if you’re 22. You have the skillset or you don’t have the skillset,” Schlereth said.
For example, Chicago Bears edge rusher Khalil Mack, who labeled Fangio an “evil genius,” said recently of his former coach: “You’re talking about one of the best coaches in football.”
And indeed, in 19 seasons as a defensive coordinator for several NFL teams, Fangio has led his defense to top-10 marks in scoring defense and yards against eight times.
But it’s Fangio’s experience, Schlereth said, that sets him apart.
“The guy’s a really, really good football coach, and he is experienced,” Schlereth said. “He is one of those guys who’s been around for a long time that automatically commands a level of respect because he’s done it for so long and he’s been so successful everywhere he’s gone.”
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
