The Dolphins head coach candidates in 2022 will be lining up. Despite their disappointing end to the season, the Miami Dolphins put together a late push to make the playoffs and boast one of the most promising defensive units in the league.
Dolphins head coach candidates
With Brian Flores fired, you better believe that there will be plenty of interest in the job. And, while Flores’ Coach of the Year case was dead in the water since the start of the season, it’s only a matter of time before he gets another shot in the NFL as well.
But, who’s going to take over now that he’s gone? It’s still kind of early to talk about Dolphins’ head coach odds but judging by their needs, their personnel, and what we’ve seen, let’s take a look at the top 5 guys they should at least consider.
5. Byron Leftwich
The Miami Dolphins desperately crave someone who can turn their pedestrian offense around. Byron Leftwich has put together one of the best offenses in the league in Tampa Bay and that was even before Tom Brady took his talents to Florida.
While the Dolphins don’t have Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, that duo of DeVante Parker and Jaylen Waddle could also wreak havoc if used properly. He’s gauging a lot of interest in the market and isn’t likely to be an offensive coordinator for much longer.
4. Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh left the NFL with a 44–19–1 record. He also has one Super Bowl appearance, and three trips to the NFC Championship game. He did that when the Seattle Seahawks’ Legion of Boom defense dominated the league and Russell Wilson was one of the best QBs in the league.
He’s left a lot to be desired during his days at Michigan and some claim he could be tempted to try his luck again at the big stage should the opportunity come. He’s an aggressive, risk-taking coach like his brother John, who’s also found plenty of success in the league.
3. Josh McDaniels
Josh McDaniels has been tied with multiple NFL head coaching jobs for quite some time now. He’s earned that respect after what he’s accomplished under Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots. Now, it’s his time to take over.
McDaniels has done wonders with another Alabama alumni in Mac Jones and looks like one of the few people who could actually fix Tua Tagovailoa. They already have a good defense and only need to revamp that offense to start competing for real.
2. Doug Pederson
How often do you have the chance to land a Super Bowl-winning coach, even if he’s not a players’ favorite? Doug Pederson did a pretty good job with the Philadelphia Eagles before that losing final season. He shouldn’t be out of the league.
Pederson has the experience to turn around this franchise right away. He made Carson Wentz look like an actual MVP contender so you’d have to think he’d at least make Tua look like a competent QB. That’s assuming they don’t pull the trigger and trade for Deshaun Watson.
1. Todd Bowles
Todd Bowles did something nearly unthinkable. He led the New York Jets to their only winning season of the decade, and that should be merit enough for him to get another shot at a head coaching gig. To make it even more impressive, he did that with Ryan Fitzpatrick as his quarterback.
Bowles should get more credit for the defensive turnaround the Buccaneers went through over the past couple of years. Put him in charge of a defensive unit that has a great nose for the ball and the Dolphins could become pretty special for many years to come.