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So what’s next for the Miami Dolphins in 2023?

By Russell S. Baxter

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins reacts during the second half of the game against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins reacts during the second half of the game against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The team returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Are the Miami Dolphins a one-year wonder or are they building something in South Florida?

The team finished 10-6 in 2020 and missed the playoffs. A year ago, the Miami Dolphins owned a 1-7 record before rallying to post a 9-8 mark. Again, the club missed out on the postseason.

Under first-time NFL head coach Mike McDaniel, the team had quite the rollercoaster campaign. A 3-0 start was followed by three straight losses. A five-game winning streak was offset by five consecutive setbacks. However, when the Dolphins beat the Jets and the Patriots lost to the Bills in Week 18, McDaniel and company were in the playoffs.

It was a short stay for the ‘Fins as they fell at Buffalo, 34-31, in the wild card round.

What’s Next?

The search is on for a new defensive coordinator as the organization has moved on from Josh Boyer.

“I am grateful for Josh’s contributions this year and throughout his tenure with the Dolphins,” said McDaniel. “The defense made strides through the season, so coming to this decision was not easy, but ultimately I feel it is in the best long-term interests of the Miami Dolphins and the continued growth of our players and team.”

The Dolphins had their issues defending the pass, allowing the sixth-most yards per game through the air and 27 TD tosses in 17 regular-season contests. The biggest drop-off came in the takeaway department as the ‘Fins forced 14 turnovers, 12 fewer than in 2021 (26).

Biggest Offseason Concern for the Miami Dolphins?

The health of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is a major concern. He dealt with his share of concussion issues this past season. All told, the Dolphins had their issues with health at this position. Including the playoff loss to the Bills, Tagovailoa, veteran Teddy Bridgewater and rookie Skylar Thompson all found themselves in the starting lineup on more than one occasion.

In a total of 18 outings, including the 34-31 wild card setback, this trio of signal-callers combined for 31 touchdown passes but also teamed for 20 of the club’s 23 total turnovers.

The franchise still hasn’t won a postseason game since 2000. In order to get an opportunity in 2023, the Dolphins will look to make consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since reaching the postseason five straight years from 1997-2001. That may be easier said than done in the competitive AFC, where eight of the 16 clubs posted winning records.

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