As promised Al, here ya go...
The Miami Dolphins are coming off a somewhat disappointing 2011 campaign in which they finished 6-10. The reason I say that it is only somewhat disappointing is because they finished off the season 6-3 in their last nine games after an 0-7 start. The team looked much stronger at the tail end of the season and showed some promised, even after the firing of Head Coach Tony Sparano following Week 14.
The Dolphins faced some adversity this season when they lost starting QB Chad Henne during a Week 4 matchup with the San Diego Chargers. Rookie RB Daniel Thomas was hobbled with a hamstring injury that lingered for most of the season, forcing the team to rely on Reggie Bush.
Bush, however, proved to be a rare bright spot on offense for Miami. Bush, who was brought over from New Orleans in a trade before the season, was expected to split carries with Thomas, but was forced to shoulder the brunt of the carries. Bush showed that he could handle it though as he finished with over 1,000 yards rushing for the first time as a pro.
Next year should be brighter on offense for Miami as they should have a healthy Thomas in his second year to complement Bush in the backfield for a balanced attack. They will have Henne back if they choose to stick with him as the starter, a decision that will likely be saved for the future head coach.
The defense was solid again this year, finishing sixth in points allowed per game (19.6) and third in rushing yards allowed per game (95.6). The defense should be stout again next year, led by breakout defensive end Cameron Wake who accounted for 8.5 sacks in 2011, as well as 14 in 2010.
The position of head coach remains vacant at the moment, but it is no secret that they highly covet former Titans' head coach Jeff Fisher, who they chartered a private helicopter for late last week. However, the Rams are hot on Fisher as well and he may be more interested in that job.
If the 'Fins do not land Fisher, let's take a look at some other coaches that I think they could consider bringing in:
Bengals' Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer: Zimmer has made the Bengals' defense strong again and helped them clinch a birth in the playoffs. Behind a rookie QB, they Bengals had to rely a lot on their defense, and Zimmer got his boys ready to play. The Dolphins have always been a strong defensive-minded team, and Zimmer could provide that focus. Many think that Zimmer should have gotten a chance at a head coaching job way before now, but he is still out there and could be a viable candidate for the Miami job. Owner Stephen Ross was thought to have desired a coach with previous NFL head coaching experience, but if Fisher chooses St. Louis and Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden stay in the broadcast booth, they may have no choice than to turn to an assistant.
Interim Head Coach/ Secondary coach Todd Bowles: Sometimes the best place to look for a coach is within the organization. Bowles took over as the interim head coach after the firing of Tony Sparano prior to Week 15. The team finished 2-1 under Bowles' tenure, during which the team played some of its better ball. There is talk of Bowles possibly heading to Tampa, but they are also keen on Marty Schottenheimer, so if they do not bring Bowles in, and Miami wants someone familiar with the system, they could do much worse than keeping Todd Bowles.
My Prediction: Fisher decides to coach the team with a franchise QB in place, that being the Rams with Sam Bradford. With Fisher off the board, I think the Dolphins ultimately go with Cincinnati's Zimmer, a guy who just seems like a head coach. Also, it could help his cause that he and GM Jeff Ireland worked together during their stints in Dallas.
So as we near Fisher's decision, we shall wait and see which direction the Dolphins choose to go. Will they get Jeff Fisher? Will they get Zimmer and prove me right? Or will they go Bowles or an entirely different unforeseen direction? That's the beauty of the NFL coaching carousel, we won't know until the first report comes in, and even then we must wait for confirmation.
Until next time, take care all and enjoy the playoffs.
-TA
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