The chess match between Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and 49ers offensive guru Kyle Shanahan takes center stage in Sunday's first-round playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.

And ahead of this exciting matchup, ESPN's Nick Wagoner shared Shanahan's immense respect for Fangio. Ahead of this matchup, their first since 2018, Shanahan shared very high praise for the Eagles' defensive coordinator.

Sunday's Wild Card game between the Eagles and 49ers will feature perhaps the NFL's best offensive mind and the top defensive coach.

As the playoffs arrive, it's the defense that has the Eagles' Super Bowl hopes alive. This man is the reason why.

In 2023, after Ryans became head coach of the Texans, Fangio exited the Eagles as a consultant to become defensive coordinator of the Dolphins. Shanahan hired Steve Wilks instead. In 2024, Fangio went back to the Eagles. Shanahan hired Nick Sorensen instead.

For four seasons (2011-14), Vic Fangio was the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator. Jim Harbaugh was the team's head coach. During that time, they played their way into three NFC Championship Game appearances.

The 49ers are dealing with a rash of injuries, while the Eagles have been inconsistent on offense despite deep talent.

“ (49ers head coach) (Kyle) Shanahan has publicly said it and (Rams head coach) (Sean) McVay tells me often, they lay awake at night thinking of Vic Fangio," ESPN’s Peter Schrager said this week on First Take. “That man is a genius."