After throwing away a game to Jacksonville, the two telling divisional losses that followed spelled the end for Philbin. His 1-3 record was deemed fireable and he was replaced by Dan Campbell on an interim basis. The difference in coaching styles was quickly apparent and the new aggressive Dolphins fought their way back to .500 with two dominating performances against the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans.
The real test for Campbell’s men came against the New England Patriots in Foxborough. The intensity and emotional playing style that the Dolphins had been carrying through games with them since Campbell took over was not enough to overcome Tom Brady and the Patriots, who dismantled Miami 36-7.