Dolphins fire head coach Adam Gase; reassign Mike Tannenbaum

General manager Chris Grier to oversee football operations, team announces

DAVIE, Fla. – Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase has been fired, ESPN first reported Monday morning.

ESPN sports reporter Jeff Darlington tweeted Monday that Gase personally told him he had been fired and was preparing to meet with staff and players.

The Dolphins confirmed the firing a short time later in a news release and also announced that general manager Chris Grier would oversee football operations.

The team also announced that executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum has been reassigned within the organization.

"I am excited about having Chris lead our football operations going forward," owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. "I want to build a championship organization and I've fallen short of that so far. I know I need to take a different approach and I've learned that we need a more streamlined structure for accountability and a longer term view on our decision-making. 

"Chris is highly respected throughout football and is an unselfish, team-first leader who knows the game. We need to add to our core of young players and build something special over the long-term and I believe in Chris.

"I want to thank Adam for his hard work and dedication to the Miami Dolphins. These decisions were not easy as he gave everything he had to the organization. I wish him and his family the best going forward."

Gase has coached the team for three seasons, with a 7-9 finish this year.

"I anticipate Adam Gase will get at least three interviews for other head coaching vacancies," Darlington tweeted. 

"Even if Dolphins had decided to retain Gase, the relationship was going to require considerable reparation," he added. "Trust between Gase and Ross had eroded in recent weeks -- and Gase already rebuffed Ross' desire for him to give up 53-man roster control. It quickly went from bad to worse."

Ross made the move after Gase went 23-26 with the Dolphins. A 42-17 loss Sunday at Buffalo sealed his fate.

Last week Gase said his biggest regret about 2018 was a slew of injuries. The Dolphins lost 13 key players to season-ending injuries, including two top offensive linemen, their best run stopper, top cornerback Xavien Howard and dynamic receivers Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill missed five games.

The Dolphins will miss the playoffs for the 15th time in the past 17 seasons.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.