The Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator search has been, well, extensive. Miami got word near the end of the week immediately following their season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills that veteran offensive coordinator Chan Gailey would be stepping down from his post, leaving the Dolphins in position to hire their third consecutive play caller in as many seasons in the Brian Flores era.
And, about a week ago, the Dolphins’ list of rumored candidates was reported. Included were:
- Dolphins RB coach Eric Studesville
- Dolphins QB coach George Godsey
- Clemson OC Tony Elliott
- Chargers QB coach Pep Hamilton
- 49ers run game coordinator Mike McDaniel
- Steelers QB coach Matt Canada
But as last weekend unfolded, it seemed as though Miami’s shortlist of candidates was whittling away. First it was reported that Elliott desired to stay at Clemson. Then it was reported that Kyle Shanahan, amid departures from his staff in San Francisco, would promote McDaniel to serve as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator and that Matt Canada was in line to be promoted from the Steelers’ quarterbacks coach role to take the offensive coordinator role in Pittsburgh.
Presumably, there were three remaining candidates: Godsey and Studesville from within the Dolphins’ building and Hamilton. And we haven’t gotten any traction towards a resolution since. But the news from yesterday threw the whole situation for a loop. The Pittsburgh Steelers interviewed Hue Jackson for the position Canada was rumored and penciled in to take as the team’s offensive coordinator. So now Canada may be back on the table for the Dolphins after all.
The Pittsburgh Steelers interviewed former Browns Head Coach Hue Jackson earlier this week for the offensive coordinator position per a league source.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) January 21, 2021
Also reported to be in the running for Pittsburgh’s suddenly available vacancy? Pep Hamilton, who is reportedly interviewing in Pittsburgh today.
If Pittsburgh settles on Hamilton, the Dolphins will have no one to blame but themselves — they’ve been the only team reported to show significant interest for over a week but never made the hire, so one would assume Miami’s preference lies elsewhere, either with an internal candidate or perhaps with Canada after all.
We’d say that this vacancy will come to a resolution soon — but we thought that last week as well with the 2021 Senior Bowl looming for this coaching staff; so who knows when the hire is made. Before next season would be a safe bet.
