Thursday, January 10, 2013

Philbin focusing on efficiency for 2013 offseason

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Miami Dolphins first-year head coach Joe Philbin always had higher expectations for his team's 2012 campaign than the fans or media did.

So after a season in which Miami beat most preseason predictions by winning seven games and finishing second in the division, Philbin is eying bigger and better things. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

"First, I want to evaluate the 2012 season from every single aspect," Philbin told Andy Cohen of Dolphins Digest. "How we traveled. How we practiced. How we meet. What kind of food we have. What we did in the weight room. We have to evaluate all of the things we need to do better."

2012 was a learning experience for Philbin, who spent the previous five seasons in a coach's box as the offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. As he enters his second full offseason at the helm of the Dolphins, he will look to improve how he manages his team.

"Second, we have to devise an outstanding offseason program for our players," Philbin said. "We want to have a more efficient offseason than we had last year. And finally, we are going to devise an in-season plan that will help us compete for a championship."

Preseason results mean little, but the Dolphins did lose all four of their exhibition games last year before going on a 1-3 stretch to start the season. However, Philbin showed ability to effectively adjust and recalibrate on the fly, leading Miami to three straight wins after the rough start.

While Philbin's consistency in running a tight ship will be critical to the team's growth, adapting will be just as important.

"We will be more efficient with our time and ideally putting our players in position to be more successful," Philbin said. "I’m expecting that will happen."

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