The Miami Dolphins officially hired Joe Philbin to be their new head coach last week, and, whenever a team hires a new head coach, an exodus of assistant coaches from the old regime usually is not far behind. That exodus has started in Miami.
Former Dolphins assistant wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard was hired by the Washington Redskins today to be their wide receivers coach.
But, he was not the big name of the Dolphins assistants. The status of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and interim head coach Todd Bowles are the most intriguing positions right now. And, as of now at least, it looks like both may be heading to new jobs next year.
Daboll is expected to either land a job with the Kansas City Chiefs or the New York Jets. Bowles has had several teams interview him over the last couple of years for head coaching positions as well as several teams looking at hims for defensive coordinator positions this offseason.
Bowles and Philbin met earlier today, discussing Bowles' position with the team. Reportedly, he left the meeting with permission from Philbin to continue looking for other opportunities, and a plan to meet with Philbin again on Wednesday.
Several assistant coaches are expected to move on from the team as well, including linebacker coach Bill Sheridan and offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo - who is expected to follow former head coach Tony Sparano to the New York Jets.
Philbin is expected to change the offense being run by the Dolphins, and few, if any, offensive assistants are expected to be retained. The defensive side of the ball could see some continuity, if Philbin does decide to keep Bowles, or could be completely transformed under a new coordinator. Cincinnati Bengals' defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle is thought to be a candidate for the defensive coordinator job.
Expect the Dolphins' to continue to see a turnover in assistant coaches as Philbin puts his stamp on the team, and fully transforms them into his team.