Whether you agree with the decision to fire Brian Flores or not, the Miami Dolphins are in the market for another head coach, and one that will need to justify moving on from Flores. The Dolphins are certainly fighting for their postseason lives in the tough AFC East, and bringing in a solid coaching candidate – like Byron Leftwich – should do the trick.
For Leftwich, making the jump to HC would be a huge step but one that he is certainly ready for, and making that jump in the state of Florida, where he made a name for himself in the NFL as a player, would be very fitting. The Buccaneers have enjoyed plenty of success with Leftwich calling the shots, but it is time for him to move on and take his first shot at leading a team.
3 Reasons why Byron Leftwich should be Miami's new HC
3. Proven player and coach
Currently serving as the offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay, Leftwich has been an offensive coach dating back to 2016 when he took on an intern role with the Arizona Cardinals. Having quickly risen through the coaching ranks, Leftwich has helped establish a strong offensive attack in Tampa Bay, teaming up with Tom Brady and this group of proven targets to produce a Super Bowl-winning attack.
While having a shorter coaching career than most first-time head coaches have, Leftwich’s playing career more than makes up for that gap. Having suited up for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Buccaneers, and Pittsburgh Steelers across his nine-year career, Leftwich understands the game on multiple levels, which would help out his ascension into leading a team.
2. Offensive mind well-suited for Tagovailoa
The biggest obstacle that Leftwich would face with joining the Dolphins would involve the development of starting QB Tua Tagovailoa, who was at the forefront of a reason why Flores was let go.
The Dolphins have plenty of offensive weapons, but they are only as good as Tagovailoa is, so Leftwich is going to need to key in on his new QB and his development early on in the process.
Dating back to his coaching days with Arizona, players have spoken highly of Leftwich and how he carries himself, which would help keep the culture for the Dolphins strong amidst the changeover of coaching staffs.
1. Scheme changes suited to unlock offense
Leftwich has embodied characteristics of Bruce Arians’ style of offense, where deep-pass integration and risky calls are quite common. But with Brady orchestrating the offense, it makes total sense to base a play sheet off of that outlook.
With the Dolphins, Tagovailoa has been commonly integrated into an RPO-style (run/pass option) offense, playing to his decision-making abilities and mobility at times. But with Miami not having the type of strong rushing attack to back up an RPO-based attack, Leftwich’s offensive gameplan can help unlock Tagovailoa.
Having run the third-highest rate of ‘10’ personnel (one running back, zero tight ends) with the Buccaneers in 2020, Leftwich loves to spread the formation out and force the defense to commonly run out its dime packages, opening up the trenches for potential rushing attempts. With the likes of Jaylen Waddle, Mike Gesicki, DeVante Parker, Preston Williams, Myles Gaskin, and others as pass-catching options for Tagovailoa, it would help to get as many options on the field as possible to let Tagovailoa utilize his arm and showcase his skills.
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