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| Jim Turner (Getty Images) |
Turner and O'Neill are just two more notable casualties this offseason. With the start of the 2014 regular season still more than six months away, here is a quick look at the additions and subtractions made on the coaching staff and in the front office:
Out With the Old
Mike Sherman, Offensive Coordinator
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill's college coach at Texas A&M, Mike Sherman didn't exactly make the Dolphins an offensive juggernaut. In his two seasons as the Dolphins' offensive coordinator, Miami ranked 27th in the NFL in total offense each year.
Jeff Ireland, General Manager
Perhaps the most hated man in Miami, Jeff Ireland's head had been called for long before the end of the 2013 season. Prior to center Mike Pouncey this past season, Ireland had not drafted a Pro Bowler since Jake Long with his first pick in 2008. Miami didn't have a winning season in any of Ireland's final five seasons as general manager. That is the longest span in team history.
Jim Turner, Offensive Line Coach
While the Wells Report ultimately did in Turner, he had hardly earned his keep. Even before the bullying scandal, the Miami offensive front was one of the worst units in the entire NFL. The Dolphins gave up a league-high 58 sacks in 2013 and were held to fewer than 25 yards rushing on four occasions including a franchise-low of 2 in a 22-19 November loss to Tampa Bay.
Kevin O'Neill, Athletic Trainer
It's hard to measure O'Neill's performance by what happened on the field, but his undoing also came by way of the Wells Report. O'Neill failed to stop players from directing prejudiced slurs at one of his assistants.
In With the New
Bill Lazor, Offensive Coordinator
As the quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles last season, Lazor was instrumental in transforming second-year quarterback Nick Foles into the league's top-rated passer. Foles led the NFL in yards-per-attempt and passed for 27 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions.
Dennis Hickey, General Manager
Hickey hasn't exactly been welcomed with open arms, but at least he's not Jeff Ireland. Hickey doesn't come from a winning environment in Tampa Bay and was not the general manager, but was instrumental in the Buccaneers acquiring wide receiver Vincent Jackson and safety Dashon Goldson. Tampa Bay also drafted running back Doug Martin and linebacker Lavonte David with Hickey in the front office. For all of Tampa Bay's recent shortcomings, the lack of personnel was not one of them.
Mike Ferguson is a staff writer at Dolphin Shout and the founder and editor of Outside the Redzone. Like Outside the Redzone on Facebook! Also, follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
