The answer to Miami’s coaching woes may be located in the same area code.
Butch Davis, Greg Schiano, Justin Fuente are just a few of the many names that have been bantered about since the firing of Al Golden two weeks ago. Debate has ranged from whether the program needs to bring in a coach with ties to the school or hire a new coach to reinvent the program.
Current Miami Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell would be a perfect compromise.
Why Miami Should Hire Dan Campbell
Campbell is 2-1 since the firing of Joe Philbin. The former tight end for the New York Giants has been with the Dolphins since 2010 as the tight end coach, and though it’s only an interim position, there is something that needs to be said about him going from just a position coach to head coach.
With so much talk about the Hurricanes bringing in more seasoned coaches in Butch Davis and Greg Schiano, the best decision would be to go with a coach that will be able to grow with the program as the Hurricanes begin their trek back to the top of college football.
Rehiring Butch Davis or a battered coach like Mark Richt could lead to a Steve Spurrier situation at some point. Campbell is a young coach that will be able to stick with the program through the frustration of changing the current culture at Miami, better identify with players, and won’t suddenly step down due to fatigue or old age.
From his first press conference, it’s easy to see the energy that Campbell exudes. This can give Miami an even bigger edge in recruiting with prospects knowing they will be playing for a coach that has a passion and dedication for winning.
The only knock on Campbell is experience. He’s spent his entire coaching career in the NFL as an intern and position coach for the Dolphins. Though currently serving as head coach, it’s only an interim position; the sports equivalent of a substitute teacher. Even if the Dolphins’ season does a complete 180, Campbell will find himself deregulated back to a position coach once the season ends.
This also brings up the question of whether or not Campbell would rather continue to coach in the NFL, or step down to the college level.
For context, the Indianapolis Colts were 1-2 when Bruce Arians took over while Chuck Pagano underwent treatment for leukemia. After going 9-3 during his time as head coach, Arians was able to parlay that into a head coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals the following season.
Arians has earned his stripes having coached in the NFL since the mid-70s. It’s highly improbable that Campbell will be the head coach of any team next season.
Adjusting From the NFL to College Football
If hired by Miami, he will have to adjust from managing professional adults to college amateurs while dealing with an administration that seems to no longer care about its football program; which has compounded the slump the Hurricanes have been in for the past decade.
But a smooth transition from the pro sideline to the collegiate isn’t impossible. Miami should look to Jim Mora Jr. and the success he’s had in turning the UCLA Bruins’ program around.
Mora has brought in top-15 draft classes, ended Southern Cal’s dominance in their rivalry, and clinched two Pac-12 South division titles – all in his first two years at the school after his hiring in December of 2011. UCLA is trending upwards and has emerged as a perennial national title contender.
Like Campbell, Mora had no prior experience coaching at the college level but has found success relatively quickly at UCLA. Their location in a prime recruiting area has contributed to that success, and Miami has the same geographical advantage in South Florida.
It’s Time to Move On
After the struggles of the past decade, it is certainly time for the Hurricanes to start moving in another direction. With the talent currently on the roster, the desire for an experienced coach is understandable to a fan base that wants to win NOW.
However, fans and administration alike should think of the long term. Dan Campbell could give the program much needed stability as they attempt to ascend to the top of the football landscape once again.
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