Dolphins fire defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle

Move comes just days after Dan Campbell named head coach

DAVIE, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle.

The team announced in a statement that Coyle has been relieved of his duties and will be replaced by defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo.

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Coyle's defense ranked 30th in total defense through the first four games of the season and 32nd in rushing defense, giving up 160.5 yards per game.

After a long stint with Cincinnati, Coyle was brought to Miami by Joe Philbin prior to the 2012 season.

Philbin was fired Monday and replaced by tight ends coach Dan Campbell, who was given the authority to decide Coyle's future with the team.

Campbell thanked Coyle for his "work and dedication through these past years."

Coyle was widely criticized for the decline of the defense since he joined the Dolphins in 2012. They gave up 317 points that season, followed by 335 and 373, and after four games they're on pace to allow 404 this season.

"Lou and I see eye-to-eye about what we need to do defensively moving forward," Campbell said. "He has been a coach who has gotten the proven production out of his players and has insight into the most intricate parts of our defense, which are the blitzes, coverages, among other things."

Thursday's moves come a day after the Dolphins added coaches to the offense to help spark a unit that has struggled through the 1-3 season.

Anarumo has served as Miami's defensive backs coach since 2012. He came to the Dolphins after serving in the same capacity at Purdue from 2004-11.

"I think this is a great opportunity for myself, and I am very excited about getting the opportunity to work with these players on a daily basis," Anarumo told reporters. "I think we have a committed defensive staff that is going to get this thing turned around and headed in the right direction."

Jeff Burris was also promoted to assistant defensive backs coach. In his new capacity, he will work primarily with cornerbacks.

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