The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Joe Philbin on October 5th, and tight ends coach Dan Campbell has served as the team's interim head coach since then. Miami is 4-4 under Campbell, but they're still in last place in the AFC East. The Dolphins will be looking for a permanent head coach after this season as a result, and there are plenty of rumors to sort through. Here are the 3 Dolphins coaching rumors that you need to know:
Dolphins to pursue Sean Payton
ESPN's Adam Schefter has already reported that the Dolphins will inquire about Saints head coach Sean Payton at the end of the season, who is open to leaving the Saints for another job this offseason. It makes sense: The Dolphins want to win now and the Saints are about to entering a rebuilding period. Payton has ties to Campbell, who played under Payton while Payton was the offensive coordinator in Dallas. Payton would do wonders with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. If Campbell isn't the full-time solution right now, you can't get much better than having him learn under one of the NFL's current greats on the sideline.
Todd Haley another candidate?
Miami is also reportedly interested in pursuing Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley for their head coaching position, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. Haley has turned the Steelers into perhaps the most potent offense in the league, and has developed an excellent relationship with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after the two got off to a rocky start. The Dolphins look at Haley as someone who could get the most out of Tannehill, which is one of their main criteria when looking for candidates.
Haley was head coach of the Chiefs from 2009-2011, posting a 19-26 record - including a 10-6 season in 2010.
Does Dan Campbell have a chance to keep the job?
Campbell has certainly done a nice job since taking over as head coach of this team, but he's not a name that's at the top of Miami's wishlist. While players have clamored for Campbell to get the permanent head job at various points over the past two months, the front office has their sights set on landing a big name with pedigree, according to multiple reports. Campbell will be a backup option if Miami strikes out on all of their top targets, including Payton and Haley, though he has a chance to throw himself into the forefront of the conversation if the Dolphins close the season strong.
Back to the Miami Dolphins Newsfeed