Dolphins Fire HC Joe Philbin, Name Dan Campbell Interim Head Coach

Update:

The Miami Dolphins officially announced that they’ve named tight ends coach Dan Campbell as their interim head coach.

We have named Dan Campbell interim head coach.https://t.co/8ubILFsRmJ

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 5, 2015

————-

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has released a statement regarding the decision to fire HC Joe Philbin, via Alain Poupart:

This was a tough decision for me to make knowing how tirelessly Joe worked in his four years here to make this a winning team. He is a man of the highest character and integrity that I developed a close personal relationship with. I am extremely disappointed with how we have started the season, but I feel confident that we can improve quickly with the talent we have on our roster. We will soon be announcing an interim coach to lead the team going forward.

Here’s a statement from Joe Philbin:

I want to thank Steve Ross for allowing me the privilege to serve as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. This is a tremendous organization from top to bottom that has a talented and dedicated staff. I want especially thank the players, coaches and football staff who have worked so unselfishly and represented the team with dignity and class. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the incredible fan base who supported me and my family unconditionally since day one. It is my hope that the 2015 Miami Dolphins achieve great success both on and off the field.

————

Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel reports that the Dolphins have fired HC Joe Philbin and have named tight ends coach Dan Campbell as their interim head coach.

• Albert Breer reports that the Dolphins coaches have a staff meeting scheduled for noon.
• Breer adds that there’s no word as of now regarding DC Kevin Coyle, but the expectation of many is that he too will be fired.
• Regarding Campbell, multiple sources tell Rand Getlin that the Dolphins’ players have a strong affinity for him. One player tells Getlin: “[E]verybody loves him.“
• Andrew Siciliano points out that Campbell was a coaching intern in 2010.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier in the day that the Dolphins were preparing to fire Philbin as of last night, so this move doesn’t come as a complete surprise.

Heading into Sunday’s game against the Jets, reports had said that Philbin was likely to be fired if the team continued to struggle.

Despite bringing in some notable offseason additions, Miami has poorly across the board and looked like a team that had quit on their head coach.

Even though the Dolphins gave Philbin an extension, his buyout isn’t a major obstacle for Miami, as he’s only under contract through the 2016 season.

Since taking the job in 2012, Philbin has led to the Dolphins to a record of 24 and 28 (46.2 percent) and no  playoff appearances.