Despite back-to-back winning seasons, the Miami Dolphins fired Brian Flores after three years as head coach for the Fins.
Flores was one of three head coaches fired on Black Monday, otherwise known as the first day after the season ends and teams focus on the next season.
Team owner Stephen Ross made the announcement Monday morning, less than 24 hours after the Dolphins defeated the New England Patriots in the final game of the season.
“I made a decision today to part ways with Brian Flores,” Ross said. “After evaluating where we are as an organization and what we need going forward to improve, I determined that key dynamics of our football organization weren’t functioning at a level I want it to be, and felt that this decision was in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins. We have a talented young roster in place and have the opportunity to be much better in 2022.”
In three seasons with the Dolphins, Flores posted a 24-25 record. The Dolphins went 10-6 last season and bubbled the playoffs. Flores and the Dolphins went 9-8 this season and, despite another winning season, Ross still fired him. Ross decided to keep general manager Chris Grier.
The next head coach of the Dolphins will become their 11th since they last won a playoff game in 2000. The Dolphins chewed up and spit out head coaches in the last two decades, including Flores, Nick Saban, Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles, Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell, and Adam Gase.
No Harbaugh in South Beach
Jim Harbaugh floated the idea to players on the Michigan Wolverines that he’d consider returning to the NFL next season. He’s already mentioned in rumors to become the Chicago Bears’ next head coach.
“I’m not going to be the one who takes Jim Harbaugh away from the University of Michigan,” added Ross.
Ross graduated from Michigan, so he’s a huge fan of the Wolverines.
Other former head coaches are also on the shortlist to become the next Dolphins head coach, including Jim Caldwell, Jay Gruden, Bill O’Brien, and Jason Garrett. The Dolphins will also talk to offensive coordinators Eric Bienemy from the Kansas City Chiefs, Byron Leftwich from the Tampa Bay Bucs, and Kellen Moore from the Dallas Cowboys.
Vic Fangio is also looking for a job. The Denver Broncos fired him on Sunday morning after the Broncos lost their final game of the season on Saturday.
Incoming: Deshaun Watson?
The Dolphins are at the top of the list of potential teams to secure All-Pro quarterback Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans. A disgruntled Watson sat out this season, but despite a juicy offer from the Dolphins, the Texans chose not to deal him during the season. Watson still has legal issues looming overhead for his fondness to procure “happy endings” from multiple masseuses.
The new Dolphins head coach will most likely have Watson at quarterback. Otherwise, the new head coach will have to figure out what to do with an offense spearheaded by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.