The Miami Dolphins have begun searching for a new head coach after the surprising decision to fire Brian Flores came down on Monday. While players and fans are still reacting to the departure of Flores from Miami, some coaches are being linked to the recently-vacated position. Among the early names mentioned as a potential Flores replacement is former Lions and Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, according to Michael Lombardi.

Lombardi reports that Caldwell is expected to be “under strong consideration” for the Dolphins' vacancy. It's unclear just how interested the Dolphins are in Caldwell, but there have been early links to the former Lions boss.

Caldwell last coached in 2017 when he was serving as head coach of the Detroit Lions. Across four seasons in Detroit, Caldwell amassed a 36-28 record, even managing to lead the team to two playoff berths, but losing in the first round in each of those seasons. Prior to his run with the Lions, Caldwell had served as the Indianapolis Colts' head coach from 2009-2011, but was let go after a 2-14 season in 2011 following the departure of Peyton Manning to Denver.

Many fans felt Caldwell's firing from Detroit was unjust and that his coaching performance warranted a longer leash with the franchise. The team has not logged a winning record since Caldwell's departure, and have since seen three head coaches walk through the door.

Caldwell is certainly deserving of another chance at a head coaching role, and amid Flores' unexpected departure from the Dolphins, the 66-year-old may just get his shot.