Report: Miami Dolphins fire 2 coaches after disappointing 2024 season

The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 regular season has been over for only a few days, as Miami last played against the New York Jets on Jan. 5. The Dolphins lost that contest and ended the campaign with a record of 8-9.

In light of the fact that Miami missed out on the playoffs for the first time with Mike McDaniel as its head coach, the team announced changes to its coaching staff on Friday. Specifically, the Dolphins have fired special teams coordinator Danny Crossman as well as wide receivers coach/pass game specialist Wes Welker.

“I am grateful for Danny’s contributions and dedication to the Dolphins over the course of many seasons, as well as the numerous ways he helped me as a head coach,” said McDaniel. “I also want to thank Wes for his investment here. This was not a decision I came to lightly, but as I have evaluated the season and areas where we must improve, I believe that change is needed and am motivated to do what is best for the team as we move forward.”

Welker spent the past three seasons as Miami’s wide receivers coach after he worked in the same role with the San Francisco 49ers, and the Dolphins’ receivers enjoyed a whole lot of success under his tutelage.

Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill both racked up seasons with 1,300-plus receiving yards during Welker’s time on the coaching staff. Waddle totaled a career-high 1,356 receiving yards in the 2022 season, while Hill finished the 2023 campaign with a personal best of 1,799.

Before Welker joined the NFL’s coaching ranks, he actually carved out a fantastic playing career as a receiver and even spent a brief period playing for the Dolphins. During his time playing alongside quarterback Tom Brady on the New England Patriots, he led the NFL in total receptions on three different occasions.

Crossman’s tenure on the Dolphins’ coaching staff lasted longer than Welker’s. He served as Miami’s special teams coordinator starting in the 2019 season, when Brian Flores was still the team’s head coach.

Interestingly, in the 2021 campaign, Crossman also had assistant head coach in his job title. That season marked Flores’ last leading the Dolphins from the sidelines.

Crossman had a long track record of working as a special teams coach in the NFL before he even joined the Dolphins as well. He previously served as the special teams coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions.

Dolphins fans should be thankful for all that Welker and Crossman contributed during their time with the team and hope for the best for them moving forward. Maybe one or both of them will be signed by another NFL team in the near future.