Joe Philbin Fired By Dolphins
After a shaky start to the 2015 campaign, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Joe Philbin, according to NFL sources and the Sun Sentinel. Tight ends coach Dan Campbell is interim coach until the end of the season.
The news of Philbin’s firing was no shock to those around the Miami Dolphins camp. Rumblings of changes had been rumored for some time. The Dolphins started the season at 1-3 after an offseason of excitement and optimism. Philbin was 24-28 in his three-plus seasons as coach of the Dolphins, who haven’t finished above.500 since he became coach in 2012.
Campbell is widely respected in the NFL as a coach. He’s responsible for helping tight ends Charles Clay and Dion Sims blossom. Jake Stoneburner, who was recently called up from the practice squad, has scored two touchdowns in three games for the Dolphins.
Owner Stephen Ross surprised Dolphin Nation when he resigned Philbin after three straight years without a playoff appearance.
Philbin’s position came under fire after suffering four subpar performances to open the season. The Dolphins squeaked out a win over the Washington Redskins before embarrassing losses to the Jaguars, Bills, and Jets. Sunday’s loss to the Jets was supposed to be a statement game for the Dolphins. Philbin’s team came out flat. Two divisional losses was the deal that sealed his fate.
Philbin’s Dolphins have been trounced in the first quarter of games. Their opponents have outscored them by a whopping 37-3 margin. Philbin’s team has also been outscored 91-48 during their current three-game losing streak. His defense is ranked last in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 160 yards a game. The Dolphins offense is also struggling. They have allowed 314 total yards per game. That’s good for 25th in the NFL. Their 16.2 points per game is ranked 30th. Only the Jaguars and 49ers are scoring less points this season. Team owner Stephan Ross was both saddened and optimistic about his decision. He was quoted by ESPN.
“This was a tough decision for me to make knowing how tirelessly Joe worked in his four years here to make this a winning team. He is a man of the highest character and integrity that I developed a close personal relationship with. I am extremely disappointed with how we have started the season, but I feel confident that we can improve quickly with the talent we have on our roster.”
The Dolphins defense is ranked 30th in the NFL in yards per game, allowing 399.5. Only the Raiders and Browns are worse. Philbin’s team never seemed to turn the corner. They entered big games flat and played with no drive or passion. The addition of Ndamukong Suh generated buzz for the team and a renewed zeal for the 2015 season. But the 1-3 start has fans angry and looking for answers.
Philbin had a meeting with owner Ross, after the team’s loss in London. At the time, he was sure about his tenure with the Dolphins. But after returning to the States, things seemed to change. When asked if he was concerned about his status, he was confident and ready to turn things around, per ESPN.
“No, not at all. I’m worried about getting this team straightened out and fixed and getting our team ready to play the Tennessee Titans.”
Miami allowed 425 total yards and a season high 207 yards rushing by the New York Jets. Philbin and the Dolphins had a chance to turn things around, with a good performance in London. Instead, the Dolphins came out and treated the Wembley Stadium crowd to the same lackluster brand of football.
Joe Philbin wasn’t worried about his position, but Stephen Ross was. Dan Campbell will have to lead the Miami soldiers in a new direction.
[Photos by Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images]
