3 potential DC candidates for the Miami Dolphins if Boyer gets fired

The Miami Dolphins have three games left and what happens defensively in those games could be the catalyst for a change at defensive coordinator.

One of the biggest issues teams often face each off-season is making a decision on coordinator positions. Don Shula held on to Tom Olivadotti for far too long and it cost him a shot at going to another Super Bowl. Joe Philbin’s desire to not fire Mike Sherman as OC eventually led to insurmountable tension between he and the Dolphins executives.

Now, Mike McDaniel faces a similar situation heading into the off season. Keep or get rid of Josh Boyer. The difference? McDaniel doesn’t have a history with Boyer. Boyer was the holdover from the Brian Flores era and Miami wanted to retain some continuity. This year, the Dolphins defense has not been the same despite few changes in personnel.

I don’t expect Boyer to stick around this year unless the Dolphins run the table to the Super Bowl and the defense emerges as a top elite unit and even then, it would be surprising. The question is who would replace him?

Miami could stay with an internal candidate but no one on the Dolphins staff is ready for that job. If the Dolphins replace Boyer, most of the defensive coaching staff could change as well. Here are three possible early candidates to keep an eye on.