How have Dolphins fared in third season under different head coaches?
The Miami Dolphins are entering into Year 3 of the Brian Flores era. And, with momentum on their side after a 10-win season in 2020 and another influx of gifted young talent, Miami is looking to make a big leap and transition into a legitimate contender this upcoming season. Whether or not that actually happens or not will be determined over the next six months — but Flores appears well positioned to have his team capable of answering the call and rising to the occasion.
While the vibe in South Florida is a positive one, the team desperately needs it to be: historically, the Dolphins haven’t found much fortunes awaiting them over the last 20 years of head coaches.
Flores sports a 15-17 record through his first 32 career games in Miami. And his Dolphins will now make a run at the postseason; but Flores can’t look to his predecessors for much inspiration. Here’s how each of Miami’s previous full-time head coaches has fared in their respective third season with the Dolphins.
George Wilson
1968: 5-8-1 (+1 win)
1967: 4-10
1966: 3-11
Don Shula
1972: 14-0, Super Bowl champions (+4 wins)
1971: 10-3-1, Lost Super Bowl
1970: 10-4, Lost Divisional round
Jimmy Johnson
1998: 10-6, lost Divisional round (+1 win)
1997: 9-7, lost Wild Card round
1996: 8-8
Dave Wannstedt
2002: 9-7 (-2 wins)
2001: 11-5, lost Wild Card round
2000: 11-5, lost Divisional round
Nick Saban
2007: returned to collegiate football
2006: 6-10 (-3 wins)
2005: 9-7
Cam Cameron
2009: Second year as Ravens offensive coordinator
2008: Fired from Dolphins
2007: 1-15
Tony Sparano
2010: 7-9 (+0 wins)
2009: 7-9
2008: 11-5, lost Wild Card round
Joe Philbin
2014: 8-8 (+0 wins)
2013: 8-8
2012: 7-9
Adam Gase
2018: 7-9 (+1 win)
2017: 6-10
2016: 10-6, lost Wild Card round
It has been over 20 years since we’ve seen a Dolphins head coach improve their record in three consecutive seasons to start their career in Miami. And, as a matter of fact, the first three in the history of the team are the only three to achieve that feat (Wilson, Shula and Johnson). Flores will need 11 wins in 2021 to join the club — and perhaps then he’ll be able to break another 20+ year drought in South Florida:
Miami last won a playoff game in 2000; a Wild Card win over Peyton Manning’s Colts on December 30, 2000.
