Miami Dolphins: Can Former Players Turn This Team Around?

The Miami Dolphins are quickly filling out their coaching staff. Newly-appointed head coach Mike McDaniel looks like he’s hitting the ground running. Rather than wait it out in a lengthy process, the new man in charge has put together the majority of his staff. Looking down the coaching list, fans ought to recognize some familiar names on that list. Former Dolphin Wes Welker will take over as a wide receivers coach along with Sam Maddison returning to coach the cornerbacks. The Dolphins already have legendary QB Dan Marino advising within the organization. Can these former players return this team to its former glory?

It’ll be an uphill battle for the Miami Dolphins. As it seems every offseason, there will be plenty of distractions. The challenge for the new regime will be blocking out all the noise and focusing on what makes them a stronger team. Both former Dolphins bring coaching success to the table and were arguably some of the top competitors at their positions in their days. Welker went from a special teamer/all-purpose player in Miami to leading the league in receptions three different times. Despite his successful career, he’d never go on to win a Super Bowl as a player or coach. Having faced some of the all-time greats, hopefully, he can bring the drive and passion to get back to this Miami Dolphins WR room.

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The Dolphins have struggled with consistency on offense, especially at the wide receiver position. Even when they abandoned the run in favor of the passing game, the offense would often come out flat. One of the biggest pieces of the Miami Dolphins offense going forward will be WR Jaylen Waddle. If there’s anyone on the team that can benefit from Wes Welker’s tutelage, its Jaylen Waddle. In his day, Welker was the Swiss Army knife of an NFL offense. His specialty was all-purpose yards and was the one of the most dynamic players of his time. The Dolphins hope they struck gold with a similar play style out of Waddle.

Then there’s Sam Maddison who is one of the fan-favorite of Dol-fans everywhere. The Miami Dolphins have had a stand-out defense for years but Maddison will return to the team that gave him a shot and inherit one of the best CB groups in the NFL. His previous stint was with the Chiefs who over time have had some aggressive DBs on the defensive side of the ball. Getting a coaching job is one thing. Getting one that allows you to pass on the passion you had with a team to the next generation of talent for the fans that have supported you over the years.

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What is sure to be hanging over this offseason was last offseason’s unsolved tension between the team and star corner Xavien Howard. If the team can smooth everything over on that front, they’ll bring back a key piece and a hungry young defense. Maddison was the spark of the Dolphins defense. If he can improve on an already aggressive defense, opposing offenses better have their best game.

With current and former players, the Dolphins want to give fans the ‘Fins team they deserve. Hopefully the new regime comes with the passion that made this organization one of the winningest teams of the Super Bowl Era.