Who Will End Up Coaching the Dolphins?

Added on Jan 19, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

The half glass full people will commend the Dolphins for taking time before deciding on a new head coach. The half glass empty faction will complain that all the quality candidates are off the market. Whichever side the fanbase falls on, it appears Miami has narrowed the field to a trio of choices: former interim coach Todd Bowles, Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin.

After losing out on Jeff Fisher and the Super Bowl-winning quartet of Brian Billick, Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher, the pickings are suddenly very slim. Fisher seemed to be the frontrunner and was even reported to be close to accepting the job, but then bolted to the Rams.

Both Bowles and McCoy will receive second interviews with team owner Stephen Ross. Bowles, a secondary coach for most of his career, went 2-1 as interim coach following Tony Sparano’s dismissal on December 12. The ex-player has been circumventing the NFL coaching ranks since 2000.

McCoy garnered attention for constructing a productive offense around Tim Tebow’s unique talents. His ability to install an option attack suited to Tebow’s strengths helped Denver win the AFC West and advance to the playoffs. He spent the first nine years of his career with the Panthers before joining the Broncos in 2009 as a coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Philbin has run the Packers offense since 2007, although he benefited from the presence of both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. Needless to say, Matt Moore isn’t in the same class as two future Hall of Famers.

The Dolphins have one of the game’s best wide receivers in Brandon Marshall, and Reggie Bush is coming off the best season of his career. Beyond that, the offensive cupboard is pretty bare. The defense finished 6th in points allowed and boasts rising stars in linebacker Cameron Wake and cornerback Vontae Davis.

Chasing both the Patriots and Jets in the AFC East, Miami has qualified for the playoffs only once since 2002.

Source: NFL.com