One of the concerns for some regarding the Miami Dolphins this offseason has been centered around Miami’s coaching staff. More specifically, would the departure of several assistant coaches (including both coordinators) result in a negative impact for the Dolphins? After all, we saw significant growth in the offense and the defense when comparing their performances from the start of the season to the end of the year. Continuity is a good thing in the NFL, but it’s also an unrealistic expectation — especially for a team that is going to introduce so much change to their roster before the end of the 2020 offseason.
By opening day of 2020, the Dolphins’ roster is going to be likely going to feature 50-60% new faces once again, a repeat of the overhaul the Dolphins experienced in 2020. That much change is likely to water down a lot of the potential benefits Miami would have experienced if they’d brought back a full coaching staff anyway.
The constant variable from 2019 to 2020 seems to be the one that’s making the difference — head coach Brian Flores.
Upon signing with Miami, we’ve heard many new Dolphins suggest that Flores’ presence was a big deal and a key reason why Miami was a desired destination. But even now we’re hearing stories of near misses for Miami in free agency; and even those seem to indicate that the Dolphins have a lot of momentum. Much of that can be pointed to Flores. The Miami Herald reported yesterday that New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty had his eye on joining the Dolphins — at least until the Patriots exercised a team option on his brother, Jason.
“…a friend of his said there’s a very good chance (Devin McCourty) would have picked the Dolphins if the Patriots hadn’t picked up the 2020 option on his brother, cornerback Jason McCourty,” wrote Barry Jackson.
Miami’s interest in McCourty was well documented, but to get affirmation that yet another New England Patriot was on the cusp of jumping ship to come play for Miami serves as yet another reminder of the influence Flores has on his players. That’s a reason to celebrate for Miami, no matter who his coordinators are. This is Brian Flores’ show and so long as he’s the man in charge, he’s going to have the opportunity to build on the positive team culture that was instilled throughout the 2019 season.