The Miami Dolphins have announced some changes in their coaching lineup, marking a significant shift that fans are bound to have an opinion on. The team has decided to part ways with Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman and Wide Receivers Coach/Pass Game Specialist Wes Welker.
Head Coach Mike McDaniel released a statement expressing his gratitude for both coaches’ dedication and contributions during their tenure. “This was not a decision I came to lightly,” McDaniel stated, emphasizing the necessity for change after evaluating the team’s performance and identifying areas in need of improvement.
Welker, who joined the Dolphins in 2022 from the San Francisco 49ers, had a prior working relationship with McDaniel. His departure signals another chapter in the ongoing evolution of the Dolphins’ coaching staff.
In terms of special teams, Crossman’s tenure has been under the spotlight for some time. Joining the Dolphins in 2019, recruited by then-head coach Brian Flores from the Buffalo Bills, Crossman consistently faced criticism from fans for his unit’s performance. Over five seasons, the Dolphins’ special teams cracked the top 21 in annual rankings just once, according to the statistics compiled by Rick Gosselin.
Interestingly, Crossman’s exit follows a season where the Dolphins showed marked improvement in special teams performance. Kicker Jason Sanders stood out as a two-time recipient of the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month award.
Rookie Malik Washington made a splash with two substantial kickoff returns late in the season. Notably, the Dolphins ranked within the top 10 in both kickoff return average and lowest kickoff return average allowed.
Significantly, they avoided allowing a touchdown return on punts or kickoffs for the first time since 2021.
Despite these improvements, questions lingered about Crossman’s continued role after the less stellar 2023 season. Head Coach McDaniel, at the time, highlighted Crossman’s strengths, stating, “You have a window into the true depth of someone’s coaching ability when you’re working alongside them every single day.”
McDaniel lauded Crossman’s communication skills and leadership, which he believed resonated positively with players. However, McDaniel also acknowledged that all aspects of the team’s performance were being scrutinized, including scheme and player effectiveness.
McDaniel’s decision reflects an ongoing commitment to refining and optimizing team performance, suggesting the changes are part of a broader strategy to elevate the Dolphins as they move forward. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these coaching shifts translate onto the field in future seasons.