Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores isn’t like the last few coaches to come through Miami. There’s been a thirst for offensive firepower over the course of the last decade — but owner Stephen Ross opted to go in a different direction when he hired the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator. Flores has nearly been in the building for a year now and it is certainly a different kind of experience than what the hires of Adam Gase and Joe Philbin brought to the table.
One subtle difference? How hands on Flores has seemed to be as a part of personnel decisions and how he works in tandem with general manager Chris Grier.
Take this week for example. The Dolphins made five roster moves, making waiver claims throughout the heart of the week to continue churning over the roster and making changes. WR Mack Hollins, DL Zach Sieler, RB Zach Zenner, OL Evan Brown and WR Trevor Davis have been added to the roster of a 3-9 Dolphins team this week, these moves presumably made with one eye towards the final four games and another towards the 2020 offseason.
And Flores’ background in scouting with the Patriots enables him to provide valuable input on some of these decisions. Flores served as a scouting assistant in New England from 2004-2005 and was a pro scout from 2006-2007.
Flores met with the media yesterday and articulated some of what is important in identifying players.
“I think we have to project (talent). Our job is to project and predict and see if guys will pan out at all positions. We’ve got a good personnel department, and coaches are involved. A lot of people are involved in that, but not everyone works out,” said Flores.
Having the coaches involved is extremely helpful because who better to articulate to management what is needed at certain positions? This should be considered status quo for the NFL, but there’s also no defined way for all 32 teams to approach how much input coaches give and get in personnel. Each team is different — and because of Flores’ background in scouting with the Patriots, Miami’s got an open line of communication that helps them make the most of opportunities to change the roster.
If the improvement and growth of this team from September to now is any indication, that communication will provide Miami a very good chance to work their way to contender status.
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