Fansided

Miami Dolphins: 5 replacements for Joe Philbin

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Sep 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin looks on during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin looks on during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (right) instructs middle linebacker Brandon Spikes (51) during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (right) instructs middle linebacker Brandon Spikes (51) during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jim Schwartz

Jim Schwartz underwhelmed during his time as Detroit Lions head coach. He finished with a combined record of 29-51 over 5 seasons before being fired when the 2013 season concluded.

After leaving the Lions, Schwartz went to the Buffalo Bills for one season as the team’s defensive coordinator. His defense produced solid numbers with 1,703 rushing yards allowed (10th in the NFL) and 4,995 total yards allowed (4th in the NFL). These are great numbers but Schwartz was let go after the Bills hired Rex Ryan as their head coach. Schwartz runs a 4-3 scheme while Ryan prefers the 3-4, so he let go of the 49-year-old.

Schwartz is now a consultant to the league’s officiating department for this season but that doesn’t mean he won’t be in the running for a coaching job. The Dolphins brass could give him a look based on his experience and defensive pedigree to help turn this franchise around.

What also helps is Schwartz worked with Suh for four seasons. The former Nebraska star excelled under Schwartz’s defense but has been ineffective under Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle this season. It’s possible Schwartz could get the most out of Suh, which is badly needed after he received $60 million guaranteed in the spring.

Schwartz could end up being a name mentioned to replace Philbin if he gets fired. The experience and relationship with the star player is there for this to make sense.

Next: No. 5

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