The Miami Dolphins have done a complete 180 since head coach Joe Philbin was fired and Dan Campbell was named interim head coach. The Dolphins picked up a blowout win over the Tennessee Titans in Campbell's first game. At half time against the Houston Texans, the Dolphins were up 41-0 in one of the most lopsided games this season. The Dolphins are now back in the playoff race and Campbell is the single biggest reason for that. Here are three reasons why the Dolphins MUST hire Campbell as permanent head coach.
3. The Passion Is Back
Campbell has found a way to restore the Dolphins' passion and tenacity. Miami appeared to sleepwalk through several games this season under Philbin, but that hasn't been the case under Campbell. He's upped the intensity in practice and that's been a huge benefit for the team. The Dolphins' body language on the sidelines has improved tremendously. They're smiling, trying to pump up the crowd and look like they are having fun. That's something that was missing under Philbin. If Campbell isn't given the full-time job, there is the risk the Dolphins will lose that passion and regress.
2. Better Play Calls
Campbell isn't the one making the play calls on either side of the ball, but there has been a clear change in scheme since Campbell took over and he deserves credit for that. Whether it's that the offensive and defensive play-callers feel more comfortable under Campbell to call what they want or because Campbell has instituted changes, the results and production are much better. Campbell deserves credit for that, since the head coach is ultimately the decision-maker. Nowhere is the better play-calling more evident than with RB Lamar Miller. After the first four games, Miller had just 37 carries. In the two games since Campbell was promoted, Miller has nearly eclipsed that. Not surprisingly, Miller is destroying defenses and making life easier on QB Ryan Tannehill. This improved offense (and defense) stems from the changes made under Campbell.
1. Results Speak For Themselves
Nick Saban, Cam Cameron, Tony Sparano and Philbin couldn't put up 40 points in a single game during their tenures. Campbell did it one half in just his second game. Sure, it's only been two games, but the Dolphins look like they can compete for a playoff berth. Miami is playing like the team many expected them to be this season and it took the promotion of Campbell to help them reach that potential. The offense, defense and special teams all look vastly improved with Campbell in charge. The results speak for themselves, and they say that Campbell MUST become the permanent head coach.