The wisdom level of Miami's offensive staff

None of what you are about to read is news. But all of it is truth.

None of my words are opinion. All are based strictly on facts.

Keep that in mind as you read the paragraphs that follow.

The Dolphins on Wednesday announced several changes to their coaching staff, with most of those having to do with Miami's much-promised revamped offense. The Dolphins announced Karl Dorrell is now the quarterbacks coach. The Dolphins announced Steve Bush is now the wide receivers coach. The Dolphins announced Ike Hilliard has been hired as an assistant wide receivers coach.

That adds to previous additions of Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator, of Dan Campbell as the tight ends coach, and of Jeff Nixon as the running backs coach.

Thus, the remaking of the Dolphins offensive coaching staff seems complete.

"Once you see this staff we're going to put together, you'll see it's going to be exciting," general manager Jeff Ireland said this week after a practice at the Senior Bowl in Mobile. "It's going to have a lot of energy to it. It's going to have a lot of wisdom to it and we hope the results mirror the defensive production that we had from Mike Nolan and his staff last year and the players that were on the field."

The energy and excitement part is yet to be determined. The wisdom part also will be determined at some point in the future. But if wisdom is aquired through experience, then the Dolphins offensive staff will have to do a lot of learning on the job.

Fact is quarterback coach Karl Dorrell has never been a quarterback coach before on any level.

Fact is running back coach Jeff Nixon has never been a running backs coach in the NFL.

Fact is tight end coach Dan Campbell has never been a position coach at any level before.

Fact is wide receivers coach Steve Bush has never filled that job at any level.

Fact is wide receiver assistant Ike Hilliard has never coached in the NFL at all.

Fact is five of the six new hires the Dolphins just made to coach offense will be new to their jobs either because they never coached the position before, never held an assistant's job for that position in the NFL before, or never coached in the NFL, period.

Nixon played running back at West Virginia, but this will be his first job as an NFL running backs coach.

Dorrell has been a college offensive coordinator and head coach and was Miami wide receivers coach the past two years, a position he also coached in Denver early last decade. But he's never been a quarterbacks coach.

Bush was a college defensive coordinator at New Haven and Boston University and a high school head coach in New Jersey and New York. He was also Miami's offensive quality control coach since 2008. But he has never held a wide receiver assistant coaching job at any level.

Hilliard played wide receiver in college and was the wide receivers coach for the now defunct UFL Florida Tuskers. But this is his first job in the NFL and his first coaching NFL wide receivers.

And Campbell, an offensive coaching intern for Miami last year, played tight end for the Giants, Cowboys, Lions and Saints. But this is his first stint as a tight end coach at any level. Fact is, according to the Dolphins media guide as all these other facts are, this is his first job as a position coach at any level.

That makes offensive coordinator Brian Daboll Miami's most experienced new hire. Daboll has two years experience as an NFL offensive coordinator as he was the Cleveland Browns OC in 2009 and 2010.

Facts.

Comments

[Marc]

If there even is a training camp, it would be fun to watch...zero continuity...it will likely be a cluster...speaking of, is the countdown clock back in the locker room?

[RADIO]

I work at Hardees.. can i be their Nutritionist ?

[turd ferguson]

If they were looking for coaches with little or no experience I would have sent a resume. Do they need any scouts? I'm certainly available.

[markeyh]

Tony was the OC when Dallas was the 4th best Offense in the NFL. If he is working with the New OC and can get Miami 's offense at least up to 15th or higher and our Defense picks up from where they left off and play about the same or even better than I would say Miami should do well. It all depends on how aggressive they will be on offense next year IMO.

So once again the drama queen gets me to post....

[turd ferguson]

Look at the bright side. Miami doesn't have to worry about other teams raiding their coaching staff to fill their vacancies in the near future.

[tj]

You can't pass jugdement on paper to any team. Everyone wanted some young fresh ideas so here we go. I don't like it but neither myself nor all of you complainers can control it. So sit back and wait. If I had to guess at it, the situation looks like Sparano is the one who will be calling the shots. He is the most experienced coach on offense. (Pump your fist)

[Joe Schmoe]

"Also it doesn't matter that Carl Dorrel has never coached quarterbacks. What matters is that he understands football."

Darryl, SPARE US. I think you just made the dumbest comment on this blog in a long time.

Our biggest need area of improvement is at QB. The best we can do is recycle a WR coach to coach them up? a WR coach who waws part of the 31st ranked O in the league no less. They couldn't find ANYONE else better qualified? Someone who HAS really worked with QB's before?

Dorrel is as qualified to be a QB coach as Sparano is to be a HC....NOT VERY.

[bigt160]

Amen Finsfan gives these guys a chance if it works then we won't have to hear these whino's!!! Go FINS Sparano is just taking a page out of the Bellichik book.

[BoulderFinFan]

Sparano wants to be very closley involved with the offense. I think that's why he went with people with less experience. he wants things done his way. People with less experience tend to take orders easier than people with more experience especially when the coach wants to dictate how things are run.
Esentially sparano is going to be the OC the same way Rex Ryan is essentially the DC in Jets. HAve you ever heard of any of the jets defensice staff? They are all like our Offensive staff.

[Joe Schmoe]

Tony was the OC when Dallas was the 4th best Offense in the NFL. If he is working with the New OC and can get Miami 's offense at least up to 15th or higher and our Defense picks up from where they left off and play about the same or even better than I would say Miami should do well. It all depends on how aggressive they will be on offense next year IMO.

So once again the drama queen gets me to post....

Posted by: markeyh | January 27, 2011 at 01:39 PM

With a legit QB, WR's, TE, RB's & o-line. Very UNLIKE the 2011 Miami Dolphins.

[ALoco]

THIS IS THE SPARANO SHOW,HIS SON WILL WATCH FOR HIS BACK AND PAY RENT WHILE LIVING AT HOME 24 HOURS A DAY WITH DAD THE COACH .

[dolfdan13]

Like I have been saying.

Noone wants to coach this team.

[wolfman1313]

Darryl - I'm just going by what I hear and read. Certainly Newton has some character issues, but pretty much everything I've heard and read is that he has a great work ethic and that he spends a lot of extra time in other player's ears. As I recall when VY was coming into the draft people were already talking about suspect work ethic and lack of leadership. I'm just saying.

On that note....just to avoid any confusion....DO NOT DRAFT CAM NEWTON! He has a massive learning curve ahead of him in the NFL....he may never get there.

[cocoajoe]

Wonder if Ross thinks this excites the fan base. The kind that gets them to buy season tickets.

[beerphin]

Sparano and the trifecta will probably go down as the one of the worst coaching staffs/ FO in the last decade including Wanny Saban and maybe not cam cameron but for sure close

[DLSr]

BoulderFinFan is correct.

The HC and coordinators need dedicated assistants who are loyal to the plan. They will all be told exactly what to do and expected to execute and motivate.

Players need to be loyal as well. Now let's hope we can get more of those.

What can we get for Marshall??

[beerphin]

Why wasn't Mike Nolan given the HC job? that would have made sense.

[Big Slap Shot Bob]

And this organization didn't want to let Bill Cowher bring in his own staff and personnel? Ugh, this reeks of disaster next year.

[Jimmy]

I coached high school JV one year does that
qualify for the Dolphins?

[beerphin]

It seems like they are setting themselves up for failure... how else are we supposed to take this?

[Rob D#1]

Isn't it better to hire Sherman Lewis as OC, Jimmy Cefalo as Special Teams coach,Keith Jackson as TE's coach, Chad Pennington as QB's coach, Mark Clayton as WR's coach, Richmond Webb as OL's coach, Sam Madison as Secondary's coach, Bernie Parmalee as RB's coach, I mean, not this names, but at least people with lots of NFL experience ...

Dom Capers was not given the oportunity to be the Head Coach by the Trifecta, Jason Garrett went out in 2006 ...

????

[cowkilla]

SlapShot...my feelings exactly. Miami didn't want Cowher and his crew...but they are letting this happen?? It really defies logic...

[beerphin]

if they had any shot at getting Cowher and his staff they should've gone balls deep all in. The one casualty would have been Mike Nolan but everyone else would've justly deserved the axe

[ALoco]

COWHER THE HYENA .

[Darryl Dunphy]

Joe Schmoe..I understand your concern that you don't think Dorrel is the right choice moving forward. My point is that we don't know if he can or can't coach the position. I'm not being critical of your statement, but shouldn't he have a chance to prove himself before we lambaste him? The moves are easy to critique because of the unknown.

[LAPhinsPhan]

It was reported that Cowher didn't want an interview as long as Sparano was still was the coach. If that was true, then it showed he has class. Feeling dumped, Ross flew over to SF to woo Harbaugh instead.

[nyfinfan]

I guess everyone has to start someplace? You know, college newspaper? intern? Herald? Hopefully, the youth injection will get some energy on this team.

That said, it seems Sparano is insulating himself with guys who can't take his job (save Nolan) and making them loyal to him for giving them an opportunity.

[LAPhinsPhan]

nyfinfan, piggy-backing on your comment: if the offense should fail, Sparano now has a slew of coaches to blame instead.

[Joe Schmoe]

Joe Schmoe..I understand your concern that you don't think Dorrel is the right choice moving forward. My point is that we don't know if he can or can't coach the position. I'm not being critical of your statement, but shouldn't he have a chance to prove himself before we lambaste him? The moves are easy to critique because of the unknown.

Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | January 27, 2011 at 02:28 PM

He was an O position coach on the 31st rated offense in the league. He should he have been fired, not reassinged

[ALoco]

LAPHIHNSPHAN.......... NO TEAM HAS CONTACTED THE HYENA OR THE OTHER HYENA GRUDEN ABOUT A JOB .......

[beerphin]

somebody is in need of a tampon

[IRELANDSUCKS]

I am not a religious man, but the only thing left to do is pray.

As a lifelong Dolphin fan, this is probably as bad as it has gotten.

Worse then even the Cam Cameron year cause we at least knew there would be changes made ahead and it couldn't get any worse.

But you can be certain things are going to get worse before they get better. MUCH WORSE.

Here's hoping we DON'T DRAFT A QB this year, because there is a good chance we will have a chance at Luck in 2012.

YES, that bad.

[beerphin]

Plaxico Burress and Brandon Marshall can you say super Beast mode

[Joe Schmoe]

It was reported that Cowher didn't want an interview as long as Sparano was still was the coach. If that was true, then it showed he has class. Feeling dumped, Ross flew over to SF to woo Harbaugh instead.

Posted by: LAPhinsPhan | January 27, 2011 at 02:29 PM

It is well known that in the NFL fraternity of coaches, guys don't interview for jobs that technically aren't available. It was discussed at length with Billick, Mora Jr. etc on NFL network one evening.

[H-Bomb]

Lack of experience doesn't bother me. I'm looking ahead. Every coach has to start somewhere. These young guys are hungry to make an impact. I wish every fan would get behind the team and support them. Unfortunately, some people just want to complain no matter what... That's fine, but don't expect me to join in. I am a true fan! Fins up!

[KyleButler]

Mike Nolan is the best coach on this ENTIRE staff!

[Marc]

Ahh...so true fans don't complain...dang, and here I thought the only requirements for being a fan was to be a fan...didn't know I wasn't allowed to express displeasure when my team sucks...

Signed. A bad fan

[Chris in the 623]

Don't mind young hungry coaches. Odds are one or two will be good. Maybe a future star in there somewhere. As so aptly pointed out in earlier posts I hope TS isn't planning on putting his stamp on the offense. Have heard his offensive philosophy and think it's outdated. TS's main job should be giving motivational speeches in my opinion.

[oscar canosa]

Don't let Armando crank you up.All these offensive coaches know all the positions, the important one is the Coordinator(look at M. Nolan). Now, regarding Daboll, his record says he isn't. Hmm..Hmm..

[KyleButler]

im looking for future stars in players.. not coaches.

[ericatl]

Sparano is history he will resign midseason ala wanny..... i think prob at 0-5 or 0-6

[Chris in the 623]

At this point I'd settle for either one.

[what happen to my team?]

dangling Sparano like that.. and with this staff they put together... they are still clueless.

[kingsmith]

Maybe they could be like those packer teams when Holmgren first took over. He had S. Marriucci, Jon Gruden, A. Ried, and M. Morningweig. I believe they were all green at the time. Not sure if all were there at the same time though.

[Darryl Dunphy]

Joe..I understand that you have concerns about Dorells lack of experience(zero)as a quarterbacks coach. Take a look at all the list of quarterbacks coaches. There are some vacancies so the list isn't complete. I think it was only 5-And 6 teams that have guys with real time experience(played) and those teams are all bottom tiered. (except the jets, and some could argue that Sanchez is not a top quarterback) What stood out, is that all of the quarterbacks coaches had had experience coaching other positions. A lot of them were wide reciever coaches, running back coaches, and college coordinators. So yes you, have every right to think that Dorell is the wrong choice. My point remains we do not know. I also disagree that you think my earlier statement about Dorell understanding the game is crazy, or dumb. You can criticize it all you want, that's your right. Lets see how it goes before claiming total incompetance.

[H-Bomb]

First of all, the Miami Dolphins certainly do not "suck". They are a team on the rise with a ton of young talent. Secondly, constructive criticism is fine. Expressing concern is fine. There are certainly areas that need improvement. The goal will always be to get better. However, I totally disagree with simply stating that our coaches or players or owner "suck".

Finally, using the term "fan" simply means a fanatic, as in someone marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion. So yeah... I don't consider a lot of people on here to be true fans, but they can call themselves whatever they want...

[what happen to my team?]

H-Bomb.... you wear your bliders very well, my fellow Phin fan!

[what happen to my team?]

H-Bomb.... you wear your blinders very well, my fellow Phin fan!

[Marc]

I am devoted, have been my entire life...

Doesn't mean I can't call it like I see it, and 7-9 SUCKS!

[Marc]

If you watched a single game the past 3 seasons (or 12) you would see how bad this team SUCKS!

BORING, close, frustrating, painful to watch football

[what happen to my team?]

marc how about 32 years..lol the beginning for me was the best! not so now... go figure now i have the sunday ticket...lol when they were all that, a reg top dog in the league i had to wait for 1/2 for highlights

[H-Bomb]

Yeah, maybe you guys are right. This team sucks. Need a new FO and start fresh.

[H-Bomb]

I understand the frustration at times over the last couple of years because I think we could've won more games. However, no matter what, you can't say that 11-5 and being the AFC East champs was bad in 2008!

[Samdolophin]

Somebody earlier said ..... These guys are stealing this franchise from us.... that's right, this franchise may be somewhere else next year?

[Marc]

When will all you homers see 08 for what it was? A soft schedule with PENNINGTON leading us to a playoff BEATDOWN!

It was great, sure, but, it was not reality, especially with Tom Brady out, and the wildcat trickery that worked for half a season.

[H-Bomb]

Funny how somebody posted my name in something
I didn't write...

[H-Bomb]

You can only win the games you play. That's what I'm talking about. Some people even complain about things that went well...

[Samdolophin]

You guys better watch what you say about Dave Wannastead we have to play him twice this year.

[The Seer]

Fact: Dolphins are a Frikkin Joke!

[Joe Schmoe]

Darryl, I never stated total incompetence today. However, since you did, might I just say that the last 3 years have been utterly incompetent and 2011 will just be icing on the cake. Is that more palatable?