Frank Smith’s Tenure with the Dolphins
Frank Smith joined the Dolphins in February 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience from previous coaching roles with the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers. His appointment was met with optimism, especially given his track record in enhancing offensive line performances and coordinating effective run games.
Under Smith’s guidance, the Dolphins’ offense saw notable improvements. In the 2023 season, Miami’s offense ranked first in total yards per game (401.3) and second in points per game (29.2). These statistics highlighted a dynamic and high-powered offensive unit that was among the league’s best.
Reasons Behind the Dismissal
Despite these impressive numbers, the Dolphins struggled in critical moments, particularly against playoff-caliber teams. The season culminated in a disappointing 26-7 playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, raising questions about the offense’s ability to perform under pressure.
Internal evaluations suggested that while the offense was statistically successful, there were underlying issues related to consistency and adaptability. The inability to effectively adjust game plans against top-tier defenses became a recurring concern. Additionally, there were reports of philosophical differences between Smith and other members of the coaching staff regarding offensive strategies and player utilization.
Impact on the Team
Smith’s departure leaves a significant void in the Dolphins’ coaching hierarchy. His expertise in offensive line coaching and run game coordination was instrumental in the development of several key players. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, for instance, showed marked improvement under Smith’s mentorship, posting career-high statistics in multiple categories.
The timing of this decision is also critical. With the NFL Draft and free agency on the horizon, the Dolphins are entering a pivotal offseason. The search for a new offensive coordinator will need to be swift yet thorough, ensuring that the new appointee can seamlessly integrate into the existing coaching framework and effectively contribute to roster decisions.
Potential Candidates for Replacement
The Dolphins are expected to cast a wide net in their search for Smith’s successor. Early speculation points to several potential candidates:
- Ben Johnson: Currently the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson has garnered praise for his innovative play-calling and ability to maximize player talents.
- Brian Flores: The former Dolphins head coach, now serving as the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has a deep understanding of the organization and could bring a renewed focus on discipline and execution.
- Liam Coen: The offensive coordinator for the University of Kentucky, Coen has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and crafting dynamic offenses at the collegiate level.
The Dolphins may also consider internal promotions, with quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell being a potential candidate given his extensive experience as an offensive coordinator in the NFL.
Looking Forward
The dismissal of Frank Smith signals a clear message from the Dolphins’ front office: mediocrity will not be tolerated, and changes are necessary to achieve the franchise’s championship aspirations. The upcoming appointment of a new offensive coordinator will be crucial in shaping the team’s future direction.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Dolphins navigate this transition. The hope is that a new offensive philosophy, combined with the existing talent on the roster, will propel Miami to greater heights in the coming seasons.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, coaching changes are part of the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Dolphins’ decision to part ways with Frank Smith underscores the organization’s commitment to making the tough choices necessary to build a winning culture.
