Miami Dolphins: Grading Mike McDaniel’s coaching staff
By Jeremy Klump
Offense
Frank Smith (offensive coordinator): Frank Smith was the run game coordinator/offensive line coach for the Los Angeles Chargers this past season. Miami did not need a big name at offensive coordinator because Mike McDaniel announced he would be calling plays already, but Smith is still a fantastic hire. He cares about the offensive line, a spot Miami really needed to improve.
Grade: A
Matt Applebaum (offensive line): Matt Applebaum spent the last two seasons as Boston College’s offensive line coach. Miami’s offensive line was atrocious last year, and they really needed an upgrade. While this is an upgrade, I would’ve liked to see someone with more NFL experience.
Grade: C
Darrell Bevell (quarterbacks/passing game coordinator): Darrell Bevell was the offensive coordinator and interim head coach in Jacksonville last season. Bevell has tons of experience in the NFL, coaching Brett Favre, Russell Wilson, and Matthew Stafford. I do not think Bevell is a great OC, but I think he’s an elite quarterbacks coach. This was one of my favorite hires.
Grade: A+
Jon Embree (assistant head coach/tight ends): Jon Embree has 29 years of coaching experience and helped coach George Kittle into the star he is today. This was just a solid hire all around.
Grade: A
Josh Grizzard (quality control): Josh Grizzard is back after coaching the wide receivers last season. He takes a demotion, but I don’t see that as a bad thing.
Grade: B
Chandler Henley (assistant quarterbacks): Chandler Henley was an under-the-radar hire because he coached the offensive line last year for the Atlanta Falcons. Now he’s an assistant quarterbacks coach, which will likely help Tua Tagovailoa understand his protection.
Grade: B+
Lemuel Jeanpierre (assistant offensive line): Lemuel Jeanpierre is back, and fans weren’t happy. Personally, I love the move. He wasn’t ready for the job he got, but he took a step back and gets to learn. It takes a real man to admit your faults, and he did that.
Grade: B+
Mike Person (offensive assistant): Mike Person is a former NFL offensive lineman who played in Mike McDaniel’s scheme in San Francisco. You can’t hate that idea of him helping out!
Grade: B+
Aldrick Robinson (offensive assistant): Aldrick Robinson is also a former NFL player that recently retired. He played for McDaniel in Atlanta, and again you can’t hate this idea.
Grade: B+
Kolby Smith (offensive assistant): Kolby Smith is another former player, but he has been on Miami’s staff the last two seasons, and McDaniel decided to keep him on board.
Grade: B
Eric Studesville (associate head coach/running backs): I think we can all agree that Eric Studesville as co-offensive coordinator was a disaster. He agreed too, which is why he took a demotion to associate head coach and running backs. However, this is the best move for him and the Dolphins. He is a solid running backs coach.
Grade: A
Wes Welker (wide receivers): Wes Welker doesn’t need me to talk him up for you to be pumped about this hire.
Grade: A+
All and all, how can you hate this offensive staff? It seems McDaniel is putting a heavy emphasis on the offensive line, which is obviously smart. The Dolphins will be much improved on offense, and it starts with the coaching staff.
Overall Offensive Grade: A