The Miami Dolphins' last-minute win over the Minnesota Vikings yesterday improved their record to 8-7, and quite possibly saved head coach Joe Philbin's job. Although the team was eliminated from playoff contention thanks to the San Diego Chargers' win over the San Francisco 49ers this weekend, team owner Stephen Ross has informed fans that Philbin will return next season.
Philbin was hired as Miami's head coach back in 2012. Prior to that, he was the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers for five seasons. There were rumors that Philbin might be done in Miami after this season. The team has gone 23-24 with no post-season appearances during his time as head coach.
During that time, the team's performance has fluctuated greatly. At times, the defense has been very stout and quarterback Ryan Tannehill has looked like a long-term solution. Unfortunately, the team has waned down the stretch in each of the last two seasons. Tannehill has succeeded from a statistical standpoint in offensive coordinator Bill Lazor's low-risk offense, though it remains unclear if he can ever become a true franchise QB.
2015 is undoubtedly Philbin's last chance in Miami. Should the team fail to make the playoffs yet again, there will likely be turnover at the head coaching position. Making matters more difficult for Philbin is the fact that the Dolphins are projected to be roughly $2.2 million over the salary cap in 2015. Cutting players such as Brian Hartline and Cortland Finnegan could open up some room, but likely not enough to make a big splash in the free agency pool.
Ross won't take any more excuses, however. It's time for Philbin to elevate this team to the next level. The question is: can he?
