Attention Turns To Next Option For Dolphins HC
By Brian Miller
Stephen Ross swung and he missed. Jeff Fisher is a Ram and the Dolphins are now hunting once again. So where will they turn and how soon will they move? In reality, the Dolphins don’t need to have a coach in place until the Senior Bowl and they can easily wait for the Super Bowl to end to interview top candidates from those coaching staffs. So all is not lost. The attention now turns to options number two.
Rumors are that the Dolphins are ready to steam ahead and one name showing up on the interview rumor radar is Dave Toub. If true, and this is unconfirmed, it would be his second interview and immediately put him in the front row of the search. Not flashy and not likely a hire that would add confidence to a dwindling fan base.
Other names are still out there and there is a little we know about their status. Here is what we do know.
UPDATE: Stephen Ross told media today that he wants to interview more candidates but can’t because teams are still in the playoffs.
Rob Chudzinski – has not been interviewed as far as anyone knows. He is a highly touted OC who has done wonders with young QB’s and is also a product of the University of Miami. Chud is a coach who also works well in developing TE’s. Still, Miami has not reached out to the Carolina OC. The Panthers would need to grant permission to Miami to interview him. Last year, the Dolphins interviewed Chud for their OC position but he followed his friend Ron Rivera to Carolina.
Brian Billick – He is not considered a real candidate and the Dolphins have not reached out to him. Some speculate it’s because of a tift with Stephen Ross. Billick is the only big name still left on the market that has said he wanted to get back into coaching.
Marty Schottenheimer – Despite his relationship with Carl Peterson, Schotty has not been contacted as far as we know to re-energize the team. He is 68 years old and would be a temp solution for the team, likely for about 5 years. However, Schotty, in 21 years has had only two losing seasons, is well respected in league circles, and commands respect by his players. He also has a history of butting heads with GM’s. Something that may be more of the reason that Ross has yet to reach out to him.
Pete Carmichael, Jr. – Carmichael has been calling the plays in New Orleans since HC Sean Payton went down with a knee injury. He can not however be interviewed until the week between the Division games and the Super Bowl and can not be hired until after the SB. He is young and innovative but will the Dolphins wait him out?
Joe Philbin – The Dolphins already met with Philbin and still may be a target once the Packers season is over, however, the recent family tragedy could keep Philbin in Green Bay another year as he will likely need time once the season is over, not diving in to a location change.
Mike Zimmer – Zimmer is a defensive coach and it’s not known what kind of offensive system he would bring to Miami. He has a relationship with GM Jeff Ireland from their days in Dallas and that makes me believe he is a top choice by management. Zimmer has 12 years as an NFL DC and has earned his shot for the next step but is Miami the right fit?
Other names: Mike Sherman, Hue Jackson, Winston Moss, and John Pettine.
Predictions? I think the rumors of Toub heading to Miami for interview 2 are correct (Marc Kohn VIA Twitter) and that he will be hired as the next HC early next week. I think this is a big mistake and I do not believe he will bring a change in approach to the team.