Top 5 Head Coach Openings: Atlanta Falcons the top destination

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) pitches to running back Lamar Miller (26) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Jets defeated Miami 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

2. Miami Dolphins*

Here’s where the surprise firing may take place, hence the asterisks next to the team name. I don’t think Miami will fire Joe Philbin after a .500 season, and he wasn’t fired on Black Monday, but it’s still possible. Miami has a lot to work with in 2015: Ryan Tannehill has established himself as the franchise quarterback and the team has a franchise left tackle in Branden Albert, provided that he’s healthy. Lamar Miller proved that he’s a viable number one back, and Miami’s defense is solid with players like Cameron Wake and Brent Grimes, two of the best players at their positions (DE and CB, respectively) in the NFL.

Miami, like Atlanta, plays in a weak division, although the AFC East is on the rise (as Buffalo improves — the team was 9-7 in 2014). Miami was not far off from the playoffs in either of the past two years: in 2013, had it beat the Jets in Week 17, the team would’ve been the 6th seed in the AFC. In 2014, had it beat Baltimore in December and the Jets (again) in Week 17, it again would’ve been the 6th seed. Miami has some intriguing aspects that will appeal to a new coach if Philbin is fired, but that is unlikely to happen.

Next: Atlanta