The Miami Dolphins are considering shaking up their coaching staff if the team loses to the New York Jets this weekend in London, multiple sources have confirmed to NFL Media.
"If the team loses three in a row, don't be shocked if someone on that coaching staff gets fired," one well-placed source said.
A season that began with optimism in Miami has quickly become disappointing as we near the quarter-point. Multiple sources inside and around the franchise indicate there is widespread frustration among the players with certain members of the coaching staff. A meaningful portion of that discontent stems from -- what some players believe to be -- flawed offensive and defensive play-calling.
One team source said "everyone understands" the coaches are the issue and aren't putting the team in a position to win.
As a result of those frustrations and a host of others -- including the length and difficulty of practices -- multiple sources said the coaching staff is at risk of losing the locker room if Miami loses in London.
"We've been going out there, and practicing our (tails) off every day, but as players, we're tired of being embarrassed," said one member of the Dolphins. "If we get beat in Europe, (players) are going to throw in the towel. It isn't the players. We have all the talent in the world."
After an offseason that saw the Dolphins add a number of players through free agency and the draft -- such as defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Jordan Phillips (second-round pick), wide receivers Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker (first-round pick), and tight end Jordan Cameron -- team owner Stephen Ross made it abundantly clear during numerous interviews that he expected his franchise to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
"There has to be improvement," Ross said in March after adding an extra year to head coach Joe Philbin's contract.
While Philbin is revered by those who know him well, his 24-27 record in three-plus seasons has exposed him and his staff to scrutiny. Despite being on the brink of making the postseason in 2013 and 2014, Miami missed the playoffs each time.
"(Ross) is a remarkably loyal person," said one source who knows the Dolphins' owner. "But I don't think that loyalty is limitless."
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