Mike McDaniel dishes on Dolphins' coaching staff, Skylar Thompson's role, Byron Jones

INDIANAPOLIS — There was a coaching change he did make — one that will have wide-ranging effects on how the Dolphins operate in 2023.

There was a coaching change many expected — but wasn’t even considered.

There’s the Byron Jones situation.

The uncertainty at backup quarterback.

Yes, there was plenty of ground to cover Tuesday when Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel huddled with reporters at the NFL Combine. So much so that McDaniel spent a half hour fielding questions.

Here’s what he said:

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Danny Crossman’s job never was in jeopardy

The Dolphins’ special teams underperformed in 2022. Not that it’s open to debate, but hard evidence comes from veteran NFL writer Rick Gosselin, whose annual rankings placed Miami’s special teams 27th in the league.

“The Miami Dolphins’ fan base, the players and Danny (special teams coordinator Danny Crossman) and myself would all agree that’s not the desired results,” McDaniel said.

So it seemed natural to wonder if Crossman would be retained.

“It never really crossed my mind,” McDaniel said. “That just comes as a result of daily evaluations of all coaching involved in the building.”

Special teams, especially coverage units, suffered because of injuries in the secondary, which forced the Dolphins to divert some key special teams contributors to defense.

Mike McDaniel won’t compare anyone to Vic Fangio

Vic Fangio is such a one-of-a-kind defensive coordinator that it’s “an unfair comparison” to judge what he’ll bring to the Dolphins next season against what outgoing Josh Boyer could offer, McDaniel said.

“Having the opportunity to add Vic Fangio is as exciting an opportunity in the offseason that I could have,” McDaniel said.

It goes beyond what Fangio can offer the defense.

“Myself included will benefit from the process of being able to work with him on a daily basis,” McDaniel said. “Tap into his infinite wisdom.”

McDaniel said he appreciated being able to talk football with Fangio in the week he has been on the job, hearing stories of Fangio’s work with legendary defensive players Pat Swilling and Kevin Greene.

“Now you take it a step further,” McDaniel said. “And when you have a guy that is innovating over time, I think the residuals for players are really everything they sign up for.”

OL coaching change made to benefit Frank Smith

Just as Fangio will impact more than the defense, so too McDaniel’s change of offensive line coaches.

The Dolphins parted with line coach Matt Applebaum, replacing him with Butch Barry. But McDaniel said the move also was made to help offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who was often seen working with linemen in the portion of practice open to the media.

“I really needed to get more offensive coordinator work out of Frank Smith and he was devoted a little too much to the offensive line,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel also is poised to benefit from Smith having more command of the entire offense.

“I needed more selfishly to alleviate some stuff off my plate,” McDaniel said.

Skylar Thompson to compete for backup QB role

Skylar Thompson, a seventh-round draft pick last year, led the NFL in passing in the preseason and nearly helped Miami upset Buffalo in the wild-card round before the Bills pulled out a 34-31 victory.

Although Thompson also had some growing pains, his performance put him solidly in the discussion to back up Tua Tagovailoa in 2023.

“He did a lot of things to deserve to be in competition and to have an open mind to him winning the backup quarterback role,” McDaniel said. “I don’t foresee that being unchallenged by any stretch.”

Teddy Bridgewater, the backup last season, is not under contract for 2023. It’s possible the Dolphins could consider a veteran such as Gardner Minshew. Marcus Mariota was cut loose by Atlanta on Tuesday and might have to settle for a backup job.

“I think, as it stands right now, I was happy with what Skylar was able to do under the pretense that he’s going to continue to get better,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel has empathy for Byron Jones

McDaniel was diplomatic addressing recent comments made by cornerback Byron Jones on social media.

Jones missed the season following surgery on his leg. About a year later, he still cannot run or jump. Jones offered advice for 2023 NFL rookies-to-be, writing, “DO NOT take the pills they give you. DO NOT take the injections they give you. If you absolutely must, consult an outside doctor to learn the long-term implications."

McDaniel said Jones was in “a tough situation” being unable to play, but he had the support of the organization, including trainers and doctors.

“The medical department has supported him on every turn and I think we’ll continue to do that,” McDaniel said. “ … The bottom line is, he feels the way he feels. I think as a leader of professional athletes, I empathize with how everyone truly feels.”

Tampering? Bite your tongue, McDaniel says 

Unsurprisingly for a McDaniel news conference, there were several humorous moments, but none better than when a reporter asked about Jordan Poyer, Buffalo’s All-Pro safety.

Poyer has made noise about wanting to join the Dolphins in the upcoming free-agency window. Poyer has said he wants to play in a state with no income tax. He has made no secret of his friendship with Tagovailoa.

But he’s still property of the Buffalo Bills, which McDaniel was quite aware of when Poyer’s name came up.

“Well, I’m not in the business of tampering,” he said. “I mean, you guys might be trying to get this second-year hustle on me but we need every draft pick we can get.”

Except …

… the Dolphins don’t have all their draft picks this year. They were found to be in the business of tampering. Owner Stephen Ross’ pursuit of Tom Brady and Sean Payton led to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell docking Miami a first-round draft pick this year. They won’t pick until No. 51 overall, in Round 2.

Now if they somehow swing a deal with Poyer, teaming him with Jevon Holland, that would take away some of the sting.

(It’s not tampering when a reporter says it.)

Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com and followed on Twitter @gunnerhal.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins' Mike McDaniel discusses assistants, Skylar Thompson, Byron Jones