The Jim Caldwell experience in South Florida is reportedly over before it ever really began. Caldwell was initially viewed as one of the prized hires of Brian Flores’ coaching staff back in 2019 — before Caldwell’s health issues forced him to take a leave of absence from the team this season. And now, Caldwell will reportedly step aside for good and not return to the Dolphins without ever coaching a game for the team.
That’s the latest on the situation according to numerous reports from the Dolphins’ beat — including ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe and others.
Caldwell was initially viewed as a candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator position this offseason. Once it became apparent that Caldwell was in the running, the expectation rapidly swung to Caldwell not returning to the team. Sure enough, Caldwell is looking for his next coaching opportunity — but it won’t come with the Dolphins.
Miami’s drastic shift in mentality with their offense this offseason was likely a key variable. Head coach Brian Flores dismissed offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea in the immediate aftermath of the season and pulled in numerous offensive coaches from new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s former staffs to help finalize the transition.
The change in direction serves as a bit of a curveball to Miami’s rebuilding plans — but making these changes now is better than sitting with the status quo and then deciding that the men in place to develop talent aren’t the right folks for the job. Now we’ll need to see which players (both pro and college) fit the new vision of Miami’s rebuilt offense without Caldwell in the fray.
