Some changes were in order for the Miami Dolphins this offseason, and the first one came down Monday.
The Dolphins fired offensive coordinator Mike Sherman on Monday, the team announced. Sherman, who took over as offensive coordinator in 2012, spent just two seasons with the team.
Sherman, 59, was the head coach at Texas A&M for four seasons before being fired after a subpar 2011 campaign. He had a very close relationship with Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and Sherman’s input likely played a role in Miami selecting the Texas A&M product eighth overall in 2012.
After a promising 2012 season, the Dolphins’ offense was on a roll early on this season, averaging 25 points per game as Miami jumped to a 3-0 start. However, the productivity didn’t last, as the Dolphins finished 26th in the NFL in scoring, averaging just 19.8 points per game. Even considering Tannehill’s breakout season, the passing game didn’t do much either, finishing 27th in the league. Scoring just one touchdown over the final two weeks certainly didn’t help matters.
Head coach Joe Philbin, who hired Sherman upon taking over the Dolphins in 2012, released a statement Monday.
“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 could have wrapped up a playoff spot with wins in Week 16 or 17, but a stagnant offense kept them from returning to the postseason for the first time since 2008. Team owner Stephen Ross was unhappy with the underwhelming results (8-8 record), especially after spending more than $120 million on the free-agent market during the offseason. Changes were expected within the organization, and both Philbin and general manager Jeff Ireland were in danger of losing their jobs.
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