The Miami Dolphins looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL earlier this season when they got off to a 1-7 start.
Brian Flores’ job was called into question and fans openly wondered if Tua Tagovailoa was a bust.
But that start did not define the season as the Dolphins finished 9-8 and right outside the playoff picture with a Week 18 win over the New England Patriots.
This seemed to point toward Flores’ leadership playing a huge role in keeping his team prepared every single week.
Dolphins ownership seems to think otherwise as Flores was fired Monday morning after three seasons leading the franchise.
Brian Flores is out as the Dolphins head coach, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2022
Flores went 9-8 in 2021 after a 10-6 season in 2020.
The problem here seems to be a power struggle between himself and GM Chris Grier, who is keeping his job.
The Miami Dolphins firing Brian Flores and keeping Chris Grier is incompetence. Starts at the top.
— Nick de la Torre (@delatorre) January 10, 2022
This is the most shocking move of the NFL’s Black Monday and instantly puts Flores on the market as a top head coaching candidate somewhere in the league.
Dolphins Fire Brian Flores After A Winning Season
NFL insider Ian Rapoport detailed how firing Flores could even take the Dolphins out of the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes this offseason.
From @GMFB: The #Dolphins fired coach Brian Flores, while they are keeping GM Chris Grier. pic.twitter.com/iS3KosqSbX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2022
Flores took over for Adam Gase and while he did not get his team into the playoffs, back-to-back winning seasons in 2020 and 2021 is not exactly a fireable offense.
The decision to keep Grier over Flores is questionable too because the coach was not picking the players.
If there is concern about Flores developing his picks, the talent itself has to be brought into question too.
Miami has been impatient with head coaches ever since Don Shula left following the 1995 season.
No coach has lasted more than five seasons as owner Stephen Ross continually seeks the coach that will take his team back to the Super Bowl.
He may need to realize that winning in the NFL is not easy and it may be foolish to fire a head coach who suddenly becomes a top candidate all around the league.
NEXT: Dolphins Make NFL History To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive