The Miami Dolphins are interviewing to one of the NFL’s most established receiver coaches about the possibility of becoming the team’s offensive coordinator.
The Sun-Sentinel has learned that Curtis Johnson, who spent a decade coaching the New Orleans Saints receivers, is interviewing to join new coach Mike McDaniel’s staff as the offensive coordinator. That interview was first reported by Pro Football Network.
The Dolphins are looking to replace George Godsey and Eric Studesville, who shared the playcalling duties during the last year of Brian Flores’ tenure.
According to a Pro Football Network story, Godsey has accepted the tight end position with the Baltimore Ravens. Studesville’s status with the team remains unknown. McDaniel, who accepted the head coach position on Saturday, is in the process of releasing some Dolphins assistants from their contract while working to assemble his coaching staff.
Secondary coach Gerald Alexander was fired on Thursday, and it’s possible a few more assistants could be informed of their fate by the weekend.
Even though McDaniel plans to call offensive plays, hiring a proven, accomplished offensive coordinator sits atop his priority list.
Johnson was responsible to the development of Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Roscoe Parrish, Devin Hester, and more during his tenure the University of Miami receivers coach from 1996-2005.
He left the Hurricanes to join Sean Payton’s staff and spent six seasons with the Saints, coaching players like Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Lance Moore, Kenny Stills and Michael Thomas before becoming the head coach at Tulane, where he led the Green Wave to a 15-34 record through four seasons. He returned to the Saints and has been there since 2017.
With Payton retiring, and being replaced by Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, Johnson seems to be exploring his options. But receiver coach in Miami isn’t on the table because the Dolphins are set to hire former NFL receiver Wes Welker to coach Miami’s receivers.
Welker, who filled the same role with the San Francisco 49ers, would be joining McDaniel, returning to the franchise where his playing career took off.
Falcons quarterback coach Charles London is also being considered for the Dolphins offensive coordinator position. London has worked with tailbacks most of his coaching career, but he spent last season coaching the Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks.
McDaniel has already hired former 49ers assistant Jon Embree as tight ends coach and assistant head coach, and is keeping special teams coordinator Danny Crossman with the Dolphins, according to a league source.
Josh Boyer appears to be the front runner to remain Miami’s defensive coordinator, but the Dolphins have expressed interest in former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, who is respected as one of the NFL’s best defensive minds.