Dolphins Fire Offensive Coordinator Mike Sherman
DAVIE (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins scored a total of seven points over the two most crucial games of the season last year and now, the axe has swung on the coaching staff.
The Dolphins announced Monday that offensive coordinator Mike Sherman has "been relieved of his duties." Sherman has been the offensive coordinator with the Fins since head coach Joe Philbin took over the team two years ago.
Sherman has also been the only offensive head coach Dolphins starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill has played in since he was a freshman in college.
"I would like to thank Mike for his contributions to the Miami Dolphins," Philbin said. "Mike has been a mentor to me throughout my coaching career, dating back to 1979. He is a man of great integrity, dedicated to his family, his team, his players and his profession. On behalf of the entire Miami Dolphins organization I want to wish Mike and his family the very best in the future."
The Dolphins ranked 26th in points scored and 27th in yards gained in the 2013 season. Miami ranked 29th in first downs gained, 20th in passing yards, 28th in net yards per pass attempt, 29th in rushing attempts, 26th in rushing yards, and 27th in rushing touchdowns.
The Dolphins offense was almost offensive to Dolphins' fans in the two most critical games of the season, against Buffalo and the New York Jets in Weeks 16 and 17. Miami gained 14 rushing yards and just 89 passing yards in a shutout loss to the Bills in Week 16.
Then in Week 17, with a berth in the playoffs on the line, the Dolphins managed just seven points and a total of 296 yards of offense and three turnovers against the Jets.
Tannehill reportedly lost confidence in Sherman as the season wore on, especially towards the end. The changing of coordinators will put the onus on Tannehill to either put together a winning season and continue to grow, or else.
As for replacements, no name has come to the top of the list, but several big name former coaches are available. Former Cleveland Browns head coach, and UM coach, Rob Chudzinski has done wonders with offenses around the league and would be a natural fit in Miami.
According to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, if Philbin wanted to tap into the Green Bay Packers again, quarterback coach Ben McAdoo is considered a rising young assistant. In addition, former Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak is also available and has a strong history on the offensive side of the ball.
