It might not have been the sexy hire that Stephen Ross and the Dolphins fan base were looking for but it sure does make a lot of sense.
At around 6:30 on January 20th, after 3 weeks of waiting the Dolphins decided to hire Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Not to be confused with Regis, Joe will become the 10th head coach in Miami Dolphins history.
While its pretty clear that isn’t what most pictured to be a “young Don Shula” he was the guy who impressed owner Stephen Ross the most.
The hiring was a bit surprising as most speculated that Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was the favorite to land the job and Dolphins interim coach Todd Bowles were the other finalists.
The Dolphins would like to keep Bowles as defensive coordinator, and Philbin was reportedly receptive, according to the NFL Network. Philbin will most likely raid the Packers coaching staff as Kevin Greene, Todd Clements are just a few names that have be brought up amongst different sources.
The Joe Philbin hire also makes the Dolphins an early offseason favorite to land Matt Flynn, as they had a very strong relationship in Green Bay.
Philbin said this after getting the job “”I have seen how much the fans in South Florida care about the Dolphins, and that passion is one reason why I’m really excited to be here,”
“I’m looking forward to their support, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Joe added, “The Dolphins have a strong nucleus to build around, & working with everyone in the organization, I know that together we will return the team to its winning tradition.”
The Dolphins chose wisely deciding to hire a coach who can help this teams offense grow. Philbin is 50-year-olds, who has 28 years of coaching experience, including 19 years in college.
Philbin helped the Packers have ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in yardage each of the past five seasons, including third in 2011.
Andrew Brandt tweeted. “Calm, cerebral, humble and a skilled offensive mind. His style will resonate with players.”
Brandt’s sentiments pretty sum much up what the Dolphins should expect for their new head coach.
The Philbin hiring will come with questions as to whether he can form a good staff, or whether or not he is ready to be a head coach with no previous coaching experience but those questions will be answered in due time.
There is some scepticism over the hire as some believe Philbin got some undeserved credit for the Packers offensive havng not called the players however the majority of the Dolphins fan base seems to be getting behind the hire and excited for the potential change and oppertunity it might come with.
Overall my thoughts are that despite a long and generally gruelling coaching search the Dolphins brass might have actually got it right. Philbin brings in a fresh offensive mind who will demand respect from his players and hopefully will be up to the task of turning this franchise back to the glory days.
Here is to a new Dolphins era ! Fins Up
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