This week the speculation continued about who is going to be the next Miami Dolphins coach. We thought it would be a good time to open up the PhinNation.com forum to see what you think. This week’s Dolphins Debate asks “Who should coach the Dolphins in 2012 and beyond?” We feel safe in asking this question now, because Tony Sparano has about as much chance of keeping his job as I do of becoming the next Dolphins coach. This week, we have replies from 2 of our PhinNation.com writers, as well as one reader’s suggestion. Please remember to vote at the end and leave a comment with your endorsement for who you’d like to see coaching the Dolphins next year.
Jon Gruden - John – PhinNation.com Writer (@PhinNationJohn)
There are a few good options out there to replace Tony Sparano. My main credential the organization has to consider when looking for a replacement is that it has to be someone from the outside. I’m tired of seeing friends or guys with “ties” get jobs for the Dolphins. How many of Parcell’s “guys” and other ex-Cowboys have to fail for us until we see that it isn’t working? Another credential the new guy needs to have is history. No more giving inexperienced assistant coaches or college coaches (with the exception of Urban Meyer) a shot at being our head coach. Let’s get a guy who has a successful past. With these two credentials being said, I think there are a few “wish-list” coaches that I would want.
I would obviously LOVE to get Cowher, but if we are unable to land him, I would love to see us make a serious push for Jon Gruden. Gruden has a history of reviving bad teams; as he did with his time in Oakland and Tampa Bay. In his eleven seasons in the NFL, he has only had 3 losing seasons, went to the playoffs 5 times, and won SB XXXVII with the Bucs. He has a history of success and is an outside guy; check those off. I also LOVE the intensity he brings to a team. I have read that Tony is a passionate guy, but he is a “player’s coach.” This organization needs a guy that will demand success and put players on a short leash. I think Gruden fits this perfectly. He’s also a big name and an offensive guy that will bring excitement to Miami. We all know Gruden loves his QBs and assuming we continue to “Suck for Luck,” he will have one of the best to start fresh with. I love Gruden for the job. I know he just resigned with ESPN for 5 years, but as “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DeBiase used to say, “Everybody’s got a price!” Here’s to Hoping! Always, Phins Up!
Bill Cowher – Brandon – PhinNation.com Writer (@PhinNationBK)
The best coach going forward for the Miami Dolphins is Bill Cowher. He is a hard-nosed, tough coach that won’t deal with the crap that has been going on. The Dolphins would quickly rise out of the depths of disparity with Cowher as he would bring us back to the playoffs much like he did in his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1995). The Steelers hadn’t been to the playoffs 6 out of the previous 7 seasons and the year he got there they went 11-5 and won a playoff berth. Three years later the Steelers were in the Superbowl and never left relevancy until they won it in 2004.
It could happen to us. The Dolphins can be good, I know it’s a crazy thought, but with the right coach anything can happen…Also if we get Andrew Luck we should be alright… I trust Cowher would not only be a great head coach, but also bring in great assistants. Overall football fans tend to overlook the lesser coach positions, but they are the guys who deal with each player and help them produce on the field. Cowher has always hired great coaches under him like Dom Capers, Ken Whisenhunt, and Marvin Lewis. The move to hire Bill Cowher makes a ton of sense for the Dolphins going FORWARD. Right now, however, we need to let this ship sink to the bottom of the ocean! Keep Tony Sparano and keep on losing we have to keep pace with the Colts! Let’s Suck for Luck this season then go get Cowher and absolutely run the AFC. Go Giants!
Jeff Fisher – Alex – PhinNation.com Reader
Jeff Fisher, unlike Cowher and Gruden, does not have a Super Bowl ring. While some see that as a knock against him, I actually think it’s a good thing. Fisher will still have the hunger to win his first Super Bowl if he comes to the Dolphins. He was a good coach in Houston/Tennessee, going 142-120, good for a 0.542 winning percentage. He’s a defensive minded coach, who gets along with his players. He also took the Titans to the Super Bowl, but fell short to the St. Louis Rams. He hasn’t gotten to the mountain top like the other coaches that the Dolphins will consider. Yes, he did have some bad seasons, but he also had some very good seasons with the Titans. If Jeff Fisher comes to South Beach, along with a new QB (Luck, Jones, etc.), he can build a foundation similar to the one he built in Tennessee.
