Dolphins line up potential coaching candidates

With the official conclusion to the regular season Sunday, the Miami Dolphins' search for a new head coach is in full swing.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the 'Phins have tentative plans to interview at least four candidates, with former Redskins coach Mike Shanahan and Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase topping the list.

Former Bills head coach Doug Marrone and Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin are also on the docket, with current interim coach Dan Campbell expected to get a shot at keeping the job, as well.

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Campbell liked what he saw from young players

Miami Dolphins interim coach Dan Campbell got a good look at his team's youngsters in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts Sunday.

Via MiamiDolphins.com:

Four rookies — DeVante Parker, Jamil Douglas, Zach Vigil and Jordan Phillips — were in the starting lineup, and running back Jay Ajayi and cornerback Tony Lippett and linebacker Neville Hewitt also got significant playing time on offense and defense.

“DeVante Parker continues to grow and make plays,” Campbell said. “I thought Lippett did a nice job yesterday. Certainly Jamil’s got to be better than he was, but there again he got really his first full start at center. He’ll learn from his mistakes and he’ll be better for it. Vigil, Hewitt, those two had a winning performance. They’re growing, they’re getting better. Phillips was a little bit better than he was last week. He’s got to be better. But there is growth and development out of our young guys. That’s always encouraging. Jay Ajayi was another one. I thought he ran hard. The holes weren’t always there, but he earned everything he got, I can tell you that.”

Parker picked up 93 yards on four receptions--the biggest a 48-yarder. He was, however, targeted 10 times and had a few drops.

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Campbell expects bounce-back from pass attack

Aside from a 38-yard highlight-reel-worthy touchdown catch by DeVante Parker, the Miami Dolphins' passing offense Sunday left a lot to be desired.

The Dolphins ultimately ousted the Baltimore Ravens, 15-13, though quarterback Ryan Tannehill struggled against a passing defense ranked in the bottom third in the NFL.

Tannehill finished 9-for-19 with 86 yards, including the scoring strike.

“Certainly most games if you’re throwing for 86 yards you’re hoping you get three touchdowns out of those 86," coach Dan Campbell said Monday, via the Palm Beach Post. He isn't concerned, however, about the air attack and vowed that it would complement the run game better moving forward.

Miami gained 137 yards on 26 rushes against the Ravens.

As for the rookie Parker, the team will have a decision to make regarding his role when Richard Matthews returns.

“That’s hard to say just because of where Rishard Matthews has been and knowing the production he’s got when he comes back,” Campbell said. “... I’ll say this: DeVante Parker’s getting better. And with every play he makes it’s going to be harder to get him off the field.”

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Dan Campbell confident in Shelby's fill-in abilities

Losing a dynamic pass rusher like Cameron Wake is a devastating blow for any defense, especially one that's struggling to tally sacks.

But with every injury comes an opportunity for a backup to show off his abilities -- the case this week for fourth-year defensive lineman Derrick Shelby. 

Shelby has actually seen more time on the field this year for the Miami Dolphins than Wake, but he'll now be tasked with producing on passing downs and, perhaps most importantly, on third down.

Miami interim coach Dan Campbell spoke highly of the 26-year-old Wednesday, instilling confidence in the former Utah star.

"Shelby is one of those guys who, he is fundamentally sound and he’s an explosive athlete," Campbell said. "He’s not the speed rusher that Cam (Cameron Wake) is, but he’s going to go in there and do a nice job for us."

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Campbell loves Metallica but won't force it on players

Ride the Lightning. Master of Puppets. The Unforgiven. Those are just a few of Dan Campbell's favorite Metallica tunes.

While we can respect his taste, don't expect the Miami Dolphins new head coach to bombard his players and practices with the sweet sounds of '80s metal, though.

"I may slip one in at some point, but half those guys, I don’t even know if they’re going to know who they are," Campbell said via the Palm Beach Post. "It would probably do the opposite effect. It would probably drag them down."

Tough to visualize, but we'll defer to the professionals on that one.

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Too physical? Dolphins' Campbell laughs it off

The Miami Dolphins got physical against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, showing a much-needed spark in a much-needed victory.

That was thanks to interim coach Dan Campbell, who helped the team earn its first win and apparently garnered some attention.

Per Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post:

On Monday, Bleacher Report reported that some in the Titans organization, as well as around the league, question whether “Campbell perhaps pushed his team too far in making them too physical.” 

Campbell laughed it off when asked if his team was too physical. “There’s no such thing as that,” he said. “I don’t see that. I don’t see how that’s even possible.”

After the game, Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt took issue with contact made by Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon with Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, who sustained a knee injury.

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Fins' TE coach dropping run-block wisdom on rookie

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Dan Campbell knows a thing or two about being down in the trenches. Heck, he only did it for 11 years.

Now in his second year as tight end coach with the Miami Dolphins, the former NFL journeyman has a new student this season, rookie Dion Sims.

And while Campbell had his share of receiving yards in his lengthy pro career (91 receptions, 934 yards), his work with Sims will revolve around his specialty, run blocking.