Odds Favor Darren Rizzi in Miami Dolphins Head Coach Search

• On December 31st, Adam Gase was fired as Miami Dolphins head coach
• A number of candidates have emerged, including Special Teams coordinator Darren Rizzi
• Is Rizzi the best bet? Or is someone else primed to take Gase’s headset

Adam Gase is out as Miami Dolphins head coach and now the search is on.

For the seventh time since Nick Saban left the Dolphins, Miami is looking for a new head coach.

With several strong candidates emerging, sportsbooks have released the odds on who will be the Dolphins’ next head coach. And it’s an internal candidate leading the way.

Odds to be Next Miami Dolphins Head Coach

*Odds taken 1/5

Darren Rizzi favored to win Dolphins job

The one name that jumps out at you is Darren Rizzi.

Unless you’re a Dolphins fan, you likely don’t know him.

Rizzi is Miami’s Special Teams coordinator. He’s held that role since 2010. He’s also served as the assistant head coach.

If you ask Dolphins past and present, they don’t think he should interview for the the job. They think he should get it.

I love seeing the @MiamiDolphins interviewing Darren Rizzi. He’d make an excellent head coach. #FinsUp

— Brian Hartline (@brianhartline) January 2, 2019

It’s those endorsements that have Rizzi as the front-runner. He clearly has the respect of his players, even though the decision falls to Chris Grier and Stephen Ross.

It’s about time someone recognizes how good Darren Rizzi is. Glad to see he’s getting a look. Played for him and have known him for years. Great coach, leader, pro and teacher. Demands accountability and respect https://t.co/97gL2AG4d3

— Jason Taylor (@JasonTaylor) January 3, 2019

Up and comers among odds for Miami Dolphins head coach

Two popular names among the odds are Vic Fangio and Brian Flores.

The Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator, Fangio is a popular man.

Dolphins and Broncos now have requested HC interviews with Bears’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, per league source. They are not expected to be the only interested teams in Fangio. He can’t interview this week with Bears prepping for Eagles.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2018

While his defensive mindset would be welcome in Florida, where the Dolphins have burned through offensive and defensive minds alike, it doesn’t look likely.

Right now the Broncos are the front-runners.

A source tells me that current Bears DC Vic Fangio is the leader in the clubhouse for the Broncos head coaching vacancy. Fangio is scheduled to meet with the Broncos on Monday.

— Ryan Witkowski (@RyanWitkowski) January 2, 2019

And for Flores? He was interviewed by the Arizona Cardinals last year when he was just the New England Patriots linebackers coach. Flores is a riser in coaching circles, but he’s only been calling defenses for one season.

With Josh McDaniels reportedly passing on the Bengals job, that means the only one he's currently scheduled to interview for is the Packers. Brian Flores is interviewing with the Packers, Broncos, Browns and Dolphins, per reports.

— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) January 3, 2019

While the interest is hot surrounding him, he likely still has things to learn. His chance is coming, but I would bet on him staying in New England.

Interesting names in search for next Miami Dolphins head coach

Despite the fact the Ravens committed to him for 2019, John Harbaugh’s name appears on this list.

Statement from the Baltimore Ravens: pic.twitter.com/NSog0QWx1P

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 21, 2018

That’s because there’s a report out there that the Dolphins are considering trading for Harbaugh. While the speculation is fun, it’s tough to envision, especially considering the price tag attached.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is receiving plenty of love after his first year on the job. Despite his lack of experience, some feel he’s got the attitude to succeed.

The #Dolphins are meeting this evening with Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who is in his first season as an NFL OC. He coordinates Kansas City’s offense but reportedly doesn’t call the plays.

— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) January 4, 2019

That would likely mesh well with a front office looking for a franchise-wide change.

Then there’s Dan Campbell.

Campbell knows Miami. He was their tight ends coach, and took over for Joe Philbin in Week 4 of 2015 after he was fired. He went 5-7 and moved on to New Orleans.

He’s not interested in coming back though:

Dan Campbell is highly respected. And apparently not interested in Miami, per source. https://t.co/dn6otyzzPT

— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) January 4, 2019

Who is the next Miami Dolphins head coach?

Despite having the best odds, I don’t think it’s Rizzi.

While the players have endorsed him, an internal candidate may not change things enough.

The two most likely candidates are probably Bieniemy and Harbaugh. Even though the latter is a long shot and would cost a fortune, if the Dolphins want him, they’ll go get him.

And before you ask, no, don’t throw five bucks on Dan Marino.