After the press conference introducing Joe Philbin, I had a chance to soak in the excitement and reflect and collect on some of the main points that he shared with all of us Dolfans, media, and players.

The new coach in Miami spelled out what could unequivocally be the end of some of our favorite players that don the aqua and orange. 

Joe Philbin does not want diva guys.  He doesn't want "me" guys.  This is the no "I" in team philosophy that is synonymous with some of the NFL teams that have had Miami coaches reaching for the Maloxx after football games and stomaching tough losses.

He wants players that want to win and do not care about statistics.  I can certainly think of guys on the Miami Dolphins that are this way or appear to be this way.  Even some guys with large contracts such as Brandon Marshall might be in this category of selfish or statistically driven.  We will certainly see how this pans out. (Could be a sign on draft direction either up or down.) 

Philbin absolutely wants to win first and foremost and wants his players to believe they can win and practice to win.  Every week, the Dolphins will be focusing on winning each and every opponent.

I found his comment about what scheme the Dolphins plan to run quite interesting.  He first mentioned that on the defensive side of the ball, the team would have a fundamental focus on tackling, taking the ball away, and getting pressure on the quarterback.  

Will  the Dolphins switch from a 3-4 to 4-3?  Is a BJ Raji type nose tackle needed to be the stalwart of the defense?  Are more explosive pass rushers like a Clay Matthews type needed?

On offense, Philbin is not going to copy the Green Bay Packer playbook and teach the current Dolphin players to play the same explosive offense.  No, he is going to look at the offense and find out what they do well, get them focused on doing well, and hide any of the negative attributes that might exist.  (It is possible to install the west coast offense in Miami with the talent that is presently there.  Guys like Donald Driver and Jermichael Finley couldn't hurt that installation of this "South Beach Offense" as perspective Dolphins.)

Philbin truly is a man that is all about the game.  He is a football coach.  He is a teacher and he is quite the speaker and leader that a lot of people were clamoring for in South Florida.

I have seen many Miami Dolphin coaching press conferences and if the Dolphins expect to rise in the standings next season then today was a monumental day in Dolphin history and a first step toward success in 2012 and beyond!

At 4 pm on Saturday the 21^st, the Miami Dolphins introduced their new head coach Joe Philbin to the public at a press conference live on MiamiDolphins.com

The press conference started with Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins, who was just as awkward of a public speaker as he is.

Ross stressed how there were 6 different head coaches interviewed, with 5 of them who expressed interest in joining the Miami Dolphins. (A shot at Jeff Fisher)

Stephen Ross specified how Philbin comes from a winning background and how that was very important to him, and stated you can’t help but be impressed with Joe Philbin’s track record. Ross did add that Carl Peterson did sit in on all the interviews. Ross also noted that the Dolphins aren't allowed to talk about any Packers which includes Matt Flynn. However expect the speculation to continue.

Next Jeff Ireland took the podium, giving a little explanation of how the coaching search was structured. Ireland informed everyone how the Dolphins looked into all different forms of coaches from college coaches to coordinators.

Ireland stated that Philbin has 100% power in choosing his coaching staff.

Philbin then took the podium with a stern and calm domineer, confident and direct. Philbin stated he was honoured to become the next head coach of the Dolphins.

Philbin said the Dolphins are embarking on a journey to get the Dolphins to the top of the national football league. Philbin said the Dolphins must acquire talented players. Philbin said the team will be comprised of players who care more about winning then statistics.

Philbin set a very strong example at the podium how he can become a great leader of men and take control of a locker room.

Joe said I’m 50 years old, I anticipate this being the last head coaching job I ever get.

Philbin said he hasn’t made up his mind on any coordinators yet.

Philbin’s goal is to put his players in the best place to succeed not just brining the Green Bay Packer play book to Miami.

“The play of the Quarterback is very important”.  Philbin echoed as he spoke about the importance of the position but also about how he doesn’t believe any team is one player away. 

Philbin spoke with the Finsiders and stressed, decision making, accuracy and velocity are the top 3 things he looks for in a QB. Mobility/Pocket presences and football IQ are also things he looks for in a QB.

Philbin said he is just getting his feet wet with learning the roster and finding out the team’s different strengths and weaknesses.

Philbin hinted that the offensive coordinator will call the plays for the team however that will be based on who is hired.

The new Dolphins head coach finished the press conference in a very encouraging fashion, leaving a very solid first impression.

Here is the link to enjoy if you want to watch Joe Philbin's press conference

http://thefinsiders.com/blog/2012/joe-philbin-introductory-press-conference  

It might not have been the sexy hire that Stephen Ross and the Dolphins fan base were looking for but it sure does make a lot of sense.

At around 6:30 on January 20^th, after 3 weeks of waiting the Dolphins decided to hire Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Not to be confused with Regis, Joe will become the 10th head coach in Miami Dolphins history.

While its pretty clear that isn’t what most pictured to be a “young Don Shula” he was the guy who impressed owner Stephen Ross the most.

The hiring was a bit surprising as most speculated that Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy was the favorite to land the job and Dolphins interim coach Todd Bowles were the other finalists.

The Dolphins would like to keep Bowles as defensive coordinator, and Philbin was reportedly receptive, according to the NFL Network.  Philbin will most likely raid the Packers coaching staff as Kevin Greene, Todd Clements are just a few names that have be brought up amongst different sources.

The Joe Philbin hire also makes the Dolphins an early offseason favorite to land Matt Flynn, as they had a very strong relationship in Green Bay.

Philbin said this after getting the job “"I have seen how much the fans in South Florida care about the Dolphins, and that passion is one reason why I’m really excited to be here,"

"I’m looking forward to their support, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Joe added, “The Dolphins have a strong nucleus to build around, & working with everyone in the organization, I know that together we will return the team to its winning tradition."

The Dolphins chose wisely deciding to hire a coach who can help this teams offense grow. Philbin  is 50-year-olds, who has 28 years of coaching experience, including 19 years in college.

Philbin helped the Packers have ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in yardage each of the past five seasons, including third in 2011.

Andrew Brandt tweeted. "Calm, cerebral, humble and a skilled offensive mind. His style will resonate with players."

Brandt’s sentiments pretty sum much up what the Dolphins should expect for their new head coach.

The Philbin hiring will come with questions as to whether he can form a good staff, or whether or not he is ready to be a head coach with no previous coaching experience but those questions will be answered in due time.  

There is some scepticism over the hire as some believe Philbin got some undeserved credit for the Packers offensive havng not called the players however the majority of the Dolphins fan base seems to be getting behind the hire and excited for the potential change and oppertunity it might come with. 

Overall my thoughts are that despite a long and generally gruelling coaching search the Dolphins brass might have actually got it right. Philbin brings in a fresh offensive mind who will demand respect from his players and hopefully will be up to the task of turning this franchise back to the glory days.  

Here is to a new Dolphins era ! Fins Up 

  There is a lot of comparison going around between Flynn and Kolb or Cassel but there is several things that should be taken in to account in this particular situation. Number one is the history of the franchise where Flynn is coming from the Packers have historically build a reputation of developing top quality qbs such as Aaron Rodgers, Brett Farve, Matt Hasselbeck and a few others. In addition to that it should also be noted that if Philbin is named as the future head coach of these Franchise Matt Flynn would likely be considered as one of the top choices because of the fact he is familiar with the system for the fact he is been in it since 08. He is also proven to be a winner as he took LSU to a national title win.

  In regards to the Kevin kolb comparison apart from the fact that they were both backups there is absolutely no resemblance what so ever in each individual skill set. if you take your time to look at Kolb closely he doesn't look as polished a Flynn has in his first two starts from an accuracy stand point. not to mention statistically 6 tds one pick 480 yards and the go ahead td with 2 min left?. Another factor is that well its the system its the weapons and such well last time i cheked that system that he is playing in is the same system which will be put in place here. We also have the option to kill three birds in one stone. First we are getting a Qb which say what you want small sample size, product of the system ext has shown the ability to do something i doubt Rg3 can do 6tds in one game coming of ot playing in a yr. This would also free up picks to compliment what we have such as Blackmon, Fleener and a right tackle. Finally i would bring Tom Clemens or Mike Sherman in as OC the Packers qb coach who has been one of the top in the business when dealing with QBS.

All in all this is just personal opinion but we all ready have a solid Defense wouldn't it make since to bring someone in who is a part of one of the most prolific and modern offenses in the NFL? change for the sake of change is sometimes harmful and personally Fisher is flashy and sounds tempting but is really the right fit from a need standpoint? yes he gets his players to play hard but so did Tony right? Finally something to keep in mind is the fact that this is a new much needed fresh start not only for this franchise whos ego and reputation has been battered and bruised throughout the entire past decade, but also coach Philbin who is showing us just what kind of characte, strength and mental tougness is all about. This can almot certainly be cause for the Phins to rally around him. Bottom line if this team can show just one 4th of the resilience their new lleader has shown off the football field in his personal life and put it on display in his personal life i believe we are great shape moving forward.

Today at about 6:25 Eastern, the Miami Dolphins named Joe Philbin as their head coach after an exhaustive search of interested candidates around the NFL.

The search began with overtures and dalliances with candidates such as Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden, and Jeff Fisher.  After having a day of interviews with Jeff Fisher two weeks prior and a long waiting period on his decision, he eventually rebuffed Miami and went for an opportunity to have a say in personnel, GM, and staff in St. Louis.

The coaching search for Miami turned to plan B looking at three finalists: Mike McCoy (OC in Denver), Joe Philbin (OC in Green Bay), and Miami interim head coach Todd Bowles.

Miami has chosen Philbin as the coach who will lead the Miami Dolphins into 2012 and beyond. 
It has been confirmed by the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero and Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network.

Questions certainly will arise going forward as very interesting and published reports in the Miami Herald via Barry Jackson that Jeff Ireland was for McCoy and Steve Ross was for the older and more experienced Philbin.
 
Was there a power struggle?  Was there a difference of opinion?  Does Ross have more power than Ireland?

As of right now, the only thing that matters is that Philbin is the Dolphin's guy and his staff to support him and the players will be known soon enough.

Next on the Phins Phocus agenda?  A possible free agency quarterback and draft talk.

Heads or Tails, that will decide whether the Dolphins draft at 8 or 9^th in this year’s NFL draft. While there were campaigns to Suck For Luck or Blow For Barkley or Lose for Landry the Dolphins didn’t feel obligated to listen as they won just enough games this year to take them out of the discussion for the top Quarterbacks in this year’s draft.

Not only do the Dolphins have the privilege of drafting at the back of the top 10 but they also are 3^rd in the pecking order of teams who need QB’s. The Browns currently sit at 4 while the Redskins have the 6^th pick.

As most already know there are only 2 top QB’s in this year’s draft. Mr. Luck is a certainty to go #1 to the Colts and RG3 will most likely go 2^nd overall to whichever team is willing to trade up to get him.

The 8^th/9^th pick also most likely won’t allow the Dolphins to land a top playmaker as both Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon are expected to be off the board at that time. The most likely situation would be the Dolphins taking Riley Reiff OT from Iowa. Reiff is a safe choice which fills a need and would help build an even strong young and talented offensive line. However he is not a game changer that will help this offense take the large leap it needs. Reiff will not put the fans in the stands and will not create the excitement that has been lacking in South Florida. 

It will be difficult but in my opinion Jeff Ireland needs to move out of the pick.  Whether it’s making an attractive offer to St Louis and going to get RG3 or trading down, there is a move to be made here.

If the Dolphins are planning on moving up it will most likely cost them 2012 1^ST round pick + 2013 1^st round pick + (Brandon Marshall or Randy Starks)

I am sure it is going to take a lot of negation to figure out what exactly works out best but when you haven’t found a QB in around 13 years, there is no time better than the present. Remember there is no amount you can overpay for a franchise good QB.

If that option doesn’t work because the Browns or Redskins outbid you or because the Rams demands are too high well then moving down should be an option too.

Picks 14 ( Dallas) and 15 ( Eagles) are too solid options where the Dolphins will still be able to juice up the O Line with David De Castro or take a WR like Jeffery or Floyd.

When April comes around Jeff Ireland has a lot of work to do.

 So at this point it is safe to say that we are in the midst of a full blown coaching search, several potential suitors have already interviewed. Some of this candidates have given us the cold shoulder, and some have simply not the requirements outlined by the Dolphins brass. One thing we know for certain is the fact that with Nolan leaving, and Daboll very possibly following his tracks out of Davie ( which honestly shouldn't shock anyone) the perspective in this coaching search should widen significantly. I guess where I'm going is we are down to 3 men who the bifecta believe are qualified to lead this team where they envision it must go (Mcoy, Philbin, and Bowles) thats great it really is because the Senior bowl which signifies the beginning of the draft process is a few days away. This also means that in those 3 men should have shown several key components that are of tremendous importance to become a successful head coach in the NFL. First the ability to lead men, that IT factor that would encourage the weakest of men to follow him in to a dark alley in the middle of the nght and show no fear.(Also referred by many as the aura). In addition to these he has to have the ability to adjust. He must be able to adjust to the inevitable inconveniences such as injuries, short weeks, even weather conditions. However these three things will be completly irrelevant if he cant adjust to the men in between the white lines. 
no comments

Mike Nolan proved one heck of a "get" for the Miami Dolphins at the beginning of the 2010 off season.  Nolan had coached 1 year in Denver as defensive coordinator after being fired midseason by the San Francisco Forty Niners in 2008.  Nolan replaced then Miami defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, giving the Dolphins some coaching credibility and experience.

Nolan spent two seasons with the Miami Dolphins as defensive coordinator in which he managed to comeback (this season) from a horrid 0-7 skid to almost blanking the Chiefs and getting the right mix of players defending the run and pass.  Miami finished the 2011 season ranked 6^th in points allowed and seldom allowed a 100 yard rusher.  Nolan was applauded for his use of exotic blitzes out of the three and four technique, something that the Dolphins have the player personnel to accomplish due to size and speed.

However, Mike Nolan until today was set to be a Miami Dolphin defensive coordinator for the 2012 season since he was under contract.  While there was much rumor and innuendo of Nolan to be named as DC in Atlanta, New Orleans, or Tampa; Nolan was quick to land on his feet and bring his 3-4 defense to the Atlanta Falcons because of his close relationship with Coach Mike Smith (they served on the defensive staff together in Baltimore).

As the defensive coordinator in Miami, the talk this off season was why didn’t Nolan get a chance to at least interview for the position of Dolphins Head Coach.  The first knock against Nolan was his 2008 season was marred by a firing at midseason by current San Francisco Forty Niner president Jed York.  Additionally, Nolan was fresh off the firing and fresh off of an apparent personality squabble in Denver where then head coach Josh McDaniels was in charge of personnel and dictated the movement of player personnel; agreed to give Nolan the lateral transfer to the Dolphins.

In 2010, the Dolphins were right to get Nolan from the Broncos and establish a very powerful and imposing identity on the defensive side of the ball.  Defensive monsters such as Paul Soliai, Jared Odrick, Kendall Langford, and Karlos Dansby thrived under Nolan's defensive schemes in that they stopped the run and pressured the quarterback multiple times per game.  The debut of the Dolphin defense under Nolan resulted in a 15-10 defeat of the Buffalo Bills one in which rookie Jared Odrick and Karlos Dansby made their prescence felt.  Nolan's defense followed up the defensive effort with a stoppage of Adrian Peterson and the Vikings in week 2.  However, the Defensive schemes in 2010 were out numbered in losses to the Jets (once), Patriots (twice), Browns(4th quarter), Lions (4th quarter), Steelers (4th quarter), Bears, and Bills (4th quarter).  Nolan's 2010 campaign lacked finishing off teams in the fourth quarter and letting close victories slip away.

In 2011, the Dolphins slow start could be attributed to a lack of defensive depth at the linebacker and corner position and a lack of conditioning and toughness necessary to combat the weapons on the Patriots, Giants, Chargers, Texans, and Jets.  The Dolphins began the season 0-7 largely in part for not finishing teams in the 4^th quarter losing to the Browns, Broncos (blew 15-0 in 7 minutes), and Giants teams that Miami was dominating defensively until the final 2 minutes. 

While Nolan’s players performed to the bitter end of every game, the current regime Jeff Ireland and Stephen Ross may have ordered the change by giving Nolan an out in his contract thus giving Nolan room to seek other opportunities. Perhaps this opt out in the contract was provided initially by Nolan's agent should Sparano be fired during Nolan's term as a defensive coordinator.  One could only guess.

It is unclear, why Nolan did not at least get an interview, but one can surmise that the past experience in San Francisco of squabbles with ownership and a direct mishandling of player and personnel may have led to Miami thinking twice on interviewing him for the job.

Thanks for reading!  Please follow @DolphinMick for insight and analysis! 

Today we have some Dolphins news for you but NO the Dolphins didn’t hire a new head coach. The 3 week wait drags on as things are going to get ugly if they aren’t already with the teams fan base.

The Dolphins lost defensive coordinator Mike Nolan to the Atlanta Falcons. Nolan joins Mike Smith who he coached along side in Baltimore with.

Nolan is as good as they come in this league, leading the Dolphins to two pretty solid seasons and generally getting the most out of his players.

Nolan’s presence on this team will most likely be sorely missed as the Dolphins now have no direction in terms of whether to pursue a defensive or offensive minded coach. Nolan is leaving some pretty big shoes for the next guy to step into.

Nolan got the most out of players like Cam Wake and Randy Starks while building one of the best run defenses in the NFL.

In other Dolphins related news, the Chicago Bear extended Coach Dave Toub to a 2 year contract taking him out of the picture for the Dolphins head coaching search. Also the Colts fired Jim Caldwell making even more competition for the Dolphins.

Sadly, things to only be looking to be getting worse, it really is time now that Ross gives us some good news we can hold on to.

Hello Phins Phocus nation,

Today we got some pretty exciting news, NO the Dolphins don’t have a new coach but even better we have added a third blogger to our team Sebastian ( @sebastianmaich ) .

Sebastian is a huge Dolphins fan and was looking for a way to express his thoughts on the Phins and we felt Phins Phocus was a perfect forum for him. Hope you all enjoy what he has to say.

Ps : Step it up Ireland and Ross !