The Dolphins at least ended the season on a high note. By beating the New England Patriots, who actually needed the victory in order to secure the number one seed in the AFC, the Dolphins shocked the Patriots with a smothering defense. The victory was a good dose of revenge as it caused the Patriots to drop down to the number two seed in the AFC. Tannehill and the offense actually played a pretty good game, however it was too little too late. In addition, Parker had another big game, and finished the season just shy of 500 receiving yards and a whopping 19 yards per catch average, which is something that he can build on for next season.
Quickly after Sunday’s game, the Dolphins have been actively contacting their potential candidates for their next head coach. Below is a small list of coaches that Miami has interest in, and in the coming days there will most likely be more names added to this list. I hope that they hit their coaching search on all cylinders the way they hit the Patriots.
Adam Gase Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator
Teryl Austin Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator
Mike Shanahan Former Washington and Denver Broncos Head Coach
Todd Haley Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator
Josh McDaniels New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator
Matt Patricia New England Defensive Coordinator
Anthony Lynn New England Assistant Head Coach
Doug Marrone Former Head Coach of the Buffalo Bills
Dan Campbell Miami Dolphins Interim Head Coach
Apparently the Dolphins have already had a clandestine first interview with Mike Shanahan and are now scheduling a second interview with him. Most fans would agree that Shanahan is one of the more flashy names on the list because he has won two Super Bowls. However, that was many, many years ago with the Broncos when they had the most dirty cut blocking system ever, and his last tenure in Washington ended with him being fired. There is chatter out there that Shanahan did not want to draft Robert Griffen III and actually favored drafting Tannehill instead of Griffin, but was vetoed by upper management. That would make sense in why he would want to go to Miami. However, I believe he is way past his prime, and would not be the best option for the Dolphins future head coach.
Most sports gambling fans would agree that the most intriguing names on this list are the three that are coaching for the Patriots. The Patriots are the creme of the crop of this century in regards to an NFL football team, and any team in the league would love to have the success they have had for as long as they have had. Clearly anyone learning under Bill Belichick is going to be learning from one of the best football coaches that has ever coached in this league. If any of these coaches would be willing to coach for a division rival, then the Dolphins would automatically have a inside track into the inner workings of how to beat the Patriots. However since none of the Pats personnel has a scheduled interview it appears their loyalty may prevent them from coming to Miami. Which of these coaches does the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans prefer?