50 moments in Miami Dolphins history

Fansided.com

In 1995 the Miami Dolphins saw the end of an era when Don Shula stepped down as head coach. It ushered in a new era of Miami Dolphins football. Owner Wayne Huizenga sought out the hottest coach in football, Jimmy Johnson. Luring him from the NFL pre-game studios, Johnson became the third head coach of the Dolphins. Johnson’s immediate impact on the team wasn’t what fans necessarily wanted.

Shortly after taking over the team Johnson changed the teams logo and dismissed the teams history in an effort to elevate the current players towards creating their own history. Johnson’s college approach brought didn’t have immediate impacts. The team finished 8-8 in Johnson’s first season but the team would make the playoffs the next three seasons under Johnson’s coaching.

Miami would finish 8-8, 9-7, 10-6, and 9-7 in Johnson’s four seasons as the head coach. Unfortunately the team would never get past the divisional round of the playoffs. The standalone game that still reverberates through Dolphins history was Johnson’s final coaching game. A 62-7 blowout loss in the playoffs to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It would also serve as Dan Marino’s final game in the NFL as well.

Heading into the 1999 season, Johnson approached Wayne Huizenga and said he was done coaching. Huizenga convinced Johnson to stay. Johnsnon brought in former assistant coach Dave Wannstedt to help with the team but after the 1999 season, Johnson was finished.

Next: Dave Wannstedt