Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland did not issue a public statement following the dismissal of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, but he may have communicated his sentiments through a cryptic social media post.
On January 24, the team announced that Fangio had been removed from his contract and would pursue other possibilities, just weeks after finishing the season with one of the league’s best defenses.
After news surfaced that Fangio had a strained connection with the team’s players, Holland took to social media to share a little video in which he appeared to say goodbye in his own unique way.
Dolphins Safety Jevon Holland sent a message.
As Sun-Sentinel reporter David Furones pointed out on X, Holland took to social media shortly after the Dolphins announced Fangio’s leaving in what appeared to be a backhanded farewell.
“Interesting Dolphins safety. “Jevon Holland posts a video kicking rocks moments after the Vic Fangio news breaks,” Furones stated, alluding to the “kick rocks” expression, which is equivalent to advising someone to hit the road.
Holland was not the only member of the Dolphins defense to issue a cryptic remark following Fangio’s departure. Cam Smith, a defensive back, too turned to X to share a message without words, simply an emoji depicting an unlocked lock.
The posts sparked debate, with many fans assuming that there was a schism between Fangio and his players that resulted to his resignation.
According to Adam H. Beasley of Pro Football Talk, Smith may have had a personal issue with his defensive coordinator after playing a very limited role this season.
“The 2023 second-round pick landed in Fangio’s doghouse during his rookie training camp and never got out,” Beasley said in a statement. Even when the Dolphins were running out of cornerbacks, Smith couldn’t sniff the field. When Eli Apple was injured during the Dolphins’ Wild Card Round loss to the Chiefs, Fangio chose to play undrafted rookie Ethan Bonner over Smith.
Dolphins Issue Statement Regarding Vic Fangio’s Firing
According to Omar Kelly of SI.com’s All Dolphins, the separation with Fangio was caused by internal issues among several players, who wanted the team to change.
Interesting 👀 Dolphins safety Jevon Holland posts a video kicking rocks moments after the Vic Fangio news breaks. https://t.co/NcQiMbmiZO pic.twitter.com/T0AZxv35tm
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 24, 2024
“According to team sources, Fangio’s performance was a major topic of discussion in coach Mike McDaniel’s exit interviews, and there were a number of the team’s top performers who either wanted Fangio to change his ways or be replaced, and flat-out told McDaniel this,” Kelly stated in an email.
Kelly raised various concerns, including Smith’s treatment when he landed in Fangio’s doghouse.
McDaniel did, however, release a statement thanking Fangio for his efforts this season and announcing that the search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.
🔓
— Cammmm ひ (@yjbcam) January 24, 2024
“I would want to thank Vic for his contributions in 2023. “When we evaluated the season, it became clear that this was the best path forward for all parties involved,” McDaniel said in the statement. “Now, we must urgently focus on 2024 and beyond in order to find the best candidate to lead our defense in the future.” We remain strongly committed to developing our players and constructing a winning squad with long-term success.”
