The Facts: HC Joe Philbin has moved quickly to ensure his top lieutenants will be longtime, accomplished coaches and also close allies. Former NFL HC Mike Sherman and Cincinnati DBss coach Kevin Coyle – who possess a combined 69 years of experience – are poised to be named the Dolphins’ offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively, barring any unexpected last-minute issues, multiple sources said.
Diehards Line:Though nothing had been signed as of Thursday evening, Philbin wants to hire both, and both want to join him. ... Philbin has longstanding relationships with both men. Not only did Sherman hire Philbin for his first NFL job (with Green Bay in 2003), but he also was Philbin’s former English teacher. Coyle has known Philbin for years and reportedly attended the funeral for Philbin’s son, Michael, who drowned Jan. 8. ... Sherman’s offenses, led by Brett Favre, were very good during most of his six years as Packers HC, breaking franchise records for rushing in 2003 and passing in 2004. He went 57-39 as Packers coach but was fired after an injury-plagued 4-12 season in 2005. Coyle has 35 years of experience – the last nine as the Bengals’ DBss coach. During that time, Cincinnati ranked in the top quarter in the league with 160 interceptions.