The Miami Dolphins are wasting little time in finding their next coach. On the last day of work for the players, word came that the front office has interviews lined up with former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher and Chicago Bears special teams coordinator Dave Toub.
ESPN.com reported Monday that Fisher will interview for the Dolphins job on Tuesday or Wednesday, while the Miami Herald reported Toub will interview on Tuesday. Interim coach Todd Bowles, meanwhile completed his job interview on Monday.
Those three aren't the only candidates being flown to Miami. The New York Daily News reported the Dolphins could make a move for New York Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.
Of the four, Fisher is likely the top choice, being the only one (besides Bowles) with NFL head coaching experience. Fisher coached Tennessee for 17 years, dating back to the Houston Oiler days until 2010.
Sports
The Titans went to the Super Bowl after the 1999 season under his leadership, going 142-120 during his tenure. Tennessee made the playoffs 6 times under Fisher.
Toub is an odd choice, since his success in Chicago almost certainly relies heavily on the legs of ace returner Devin Hester. Bears head coach Lovie Smith said to ESPN, rather dryly, "Dave has been here every day that I've been here, so I think it's pretty safe to say that I kind of like what he does and he likes it around here."
Pettine took over play-calling duties for Jets head coach Rex Ryan this season, having followed him to New York from Baltimore in 2009. The Jets finished with the 5th best defense in the NFL, the unit's third straight in the top 5.
Bowles helped the Dolphins win two of their last three games as interim coach, but he is viewed as a long shot for the job. Team owner Stephen Ross likely wants some fresh blood on the sidelines. Bowles could simply be an interview to fulfill the NFL's Rooney Rule, which mandates teams interview a minority candidate for any head coach opening.
At this point, the Dolphins appear to be out of the running for Bill Cowher or Jeff Gruden. Both have been reported to have rebuffed Miami. Along with Fisher, the two were said to be atop Ross' wish list late in the season.
The Dolphins could have a hard time signing Fisher, however. With a number of jobs opening up with teams whose quarterback situation is less uncertain, Fisher is sure to see heavy demand. St. Louis and Indianapolis might appear more attractive to Fisher, should either franchise come calling.
This is why the Dolphins have moved so quickly, so that they can grab up the chic coach before anyone else has a chance to talk with him. It may not work, but their quickness (and Stephen Ross' money) are the best assets Miami has right now.
