Rank’Em: Head coaches throughout the history of the Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have had a storied history since their inception in 1966, with various head coaches leading the team through triumphs and struggles. From legendary figures to short-lived tenures, each coach has left an imprint on the franchise. Below is a ranking of all Miami Dolphins head coaches based on overall success, impact, and legacy.
1. Don Shula (1970-1995)
The undisputed greatest coach in Dolphins history, Don Shula is synonymous with success. He led Miami to two Super Bowl victories (VII, VIII) and orchestrated the NFL’s only perfect season in 1972. With 328 career wins, he remains the winningest coach in league history and helped shape the Dolphins into a perennial powerhouse.
2. Jimmy Johnson (1996-1999)
A Hall of Fame coach known for rebuilding teams, Johnson brought his championship pedigree from the Dallas Cowboys to Miami. Though he didn’t deliver a Super Bowl, he revitalized the defense and played a key role in mentoring Dan Marino’s final years.
3. Dave Wannstedt (2000-2004)
While often criticized, Wannstedt had a solid tenure, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and a 41-23 record. However, his inability to find a long-term quarterback solution and late-season collapses marred his legacy.
4. Tony Sparano (2008-2011)
Sparano’s highlight was an 11-5 season in 2008, where he led the Dolphins to a surprise AFC East title behind the innovative “Wildcat” offense. However, his teams struggled in subsequent years, leading to his dismissal.
5. Brian Flores (2019-2021)
Flores showed promise by instilling a winning culture and achieving back-to-back winning seasons in 2020 and 2021. His defensive prowess was notable, but internal conflicts and front-office tension led to his controversial firing.
6. Adam Gase (2016-2018)
Gase had a promising start, leading the Dolphins to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in 2016. However, inconsistency, poor roster management, and tension with players led to his eventual firing.
7. Mike McDaniel (2022-present)
Though still early in his tenure, McDaniel has injected an innovative offensive mindset into the team. If his trajectory continues upward, he could rise higher in these rankings.
8. George Wilson (1966-1969)
The first coach in Dolphins history, Wilson’s teams struggled, compiling a 15-39-2 record. However, he laid the foundation for Shula’s arrival and the franchise’s eventual success.
9. Cam Cameron (2007)
With a disastrous 1-15 season in 2007, Cameron’s tenure was one of the worst in franchise history. His lone win saved the team from complete humiliation, but he was swiftly dismissed.
10. Joe Philbin (2012-2015)
Philbin’s tenure was marred by mediocrity and the infamous 2013 bullying scandal. Despite moments of promise, he failed to elevate the team to playoff contention.
11. Nick Saban (2005-2006)
Though successful at the college level, Saban’s Dolphins tenure was disappointing. His refusal to sign Drew Brees in favor of Daunte Culpepper proved costly, and his abrupt departure to Alabama left a sour taste in fans’ mouths.
12. Todd Bowles (Interim, 2011)
Bowles coached just three games after Sparano’s firing, finishing 2-1. While a brief tenure, he later found success as a defensive coordinator and head coach elsewhere.
13. Dan Campbell (Interim, 2015)
Campbell brought energy and passion as an interim coach, finishing 5-7. Though not retained, he has since established himself as a respected coach in the NFL.
14. Perry Fewell (Interim, 2024)
A recent interim coach, Fewell’s tenure was too brief to leave a lasting impact, though he brought stability in a transition period.
Final Thoughts The Miami Dolphins have had a mix of legendary, forgettable, and promising coaches throughout their history. With McDaniel currently at the helm, Dolphins fans hope he can join the ranks of Shula and Johnson by bringing sustained success to Miami.
