Miami Dolphins begin coaching search by seeking candidates
By Brian Miller
![SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during pre-game warm ups before their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on December 30, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 30: Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during pre-game warm ups before their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park on December 30, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/73db44719e680e8bfbc3b4e98b43c91280e5dfdbfab2efafcd365e00c31b517d.jpg)
The Miami Dolphins are looking for a new head coach and that process officially began today with two names already circulating.
After the Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and the new man in charge Chris Grier’s press conference was over, Grier said he and Ross would head upstairs to begin the search for Adam Gase’s replacement.
The names Harbaugh and Harbaugh are going to be on the tops of every rumor list linking Ross to either Jim or John. There is not guarantee that he will actually attempt to hire either one of them. Names like Bruce Arians and Mike McCarthy are going to be thrown around as well. So far, none of them have been mentioned.
With this clearly in the early stages of the head coach search, two names have surfaced. Brian Flores and Vic Fangio. Fangio is a popular name and will draw a lot of consideration. The Chicago Bears defensive coordinator is ready to make the move to head coach and is well deserving. He is going to draw a lot of interest from a lot of teams looking for a new head coach.
Flores is interesting and already the Broncos have asked permission as well as the Dolphins. The Patriots defensive coordinator is considered an up and coming head coaching candidate. He would satisfy the Rooney Rule but don’t believe that is the only reason teams are looking in his direction.
Flores has spent 14 years with the Patriots in some capacity and replaced former DC Matt Patricia when he took the Lions job. The Patriots may not be the best defense but they are always well prepared and Flores is extremely respected in the league.
The process is obviously in the early stages and there are a lot of things to push through as the Dolphins find the right fit. There are seven other teams, for now, looking for a head coach and the list of coaches with head coaching experience is not very deep.
UPDATE: Mike Munchak has been mentioned as a potential candidate. In addition, special teams coach Darren Rizzi will also interview. Kansas City has also been contacted about interviewing Eric Bienemy who serves as the offensive coordinator.