The decision to make a significant change to Miami’s offensive coaching staff isn’t one many saw coming from the Dolphins — especially now that the offense seems to have found their replacement for Chad O’Shea in long-time offensive assistant Chan Gailey. Gailey is a name that stormed out of no where to claim Miami’s vacancy as offensive coordinator and reports this morning indicate that this deal is effectively locked in.
Why make the change? That’s difficult to say, especially so early on. But Brian Flores has been quick to act on miscalculations before — as he did when he relieved offensive line coach Pat Flaherty of his duties during the preseason. For whatever reason, Flores felt prompted to make a change. And given how his first season as an NFL head coach went, Flores deserves the benefit of the doubt from fans.
Even if his choice in replacing O’Shea isn’t who everyone anticipated.
Gailey is well versed in calling plays for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, fans should expect to see Fitzpatrick not only back with Miami in 2020 but also under center for Week 1 of the season — with potentially yet another rookie quarterback behind him learning the group’s offense.
Who might that rookie be? Gailey’s track record seems to indicate a potential fit with Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, should he choose to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.
There’s a lot of dominoes that need to fall between now and the next time the Dolphins suit up the pads. But this curious decision isn’t one that should be hammered by fans until the team’s intentions become more visible and clear. We’ll find out more in the coming months, but for now — time to familiarize ourselves with Chan Gailey, the Dolphins’ new offensive coordinator!
