Philbin: Journey Begins To Return 'Fins To Greatness
DAVIE (CBSMiami) - The new coach of the Miami Dolphins said his plan for returning the team to greatness involves strict attention to the fundamentals of football, and said his new team will not be playing this year using a retread of the Green Bay Packers playbook for former Packers offensive coordinator knows by heart.
New head coach Joe Philbin met reporters for the first time as coach Saturday afternoon, telling the gathering at the team's Davie headquarters his job is to build a team, and use it to win.
"Today, we are embarking on a journey to return this team back to the top of the National Football League, Philbin said, "feat that hasn't been accomplished here in 40 years."
The new coach, the tenth to helm the Dolphins, said he'll do this by using passion, energy and enthusiasm, "to bring the Lombardi trophy back to South Florida.
"Our team will consist of men more about winning than individual statistics," Philbin said
Philbin will apparently have the power to pick the men he wants. General Manager Jeff Ireland said Philbin will have the authority to pick the coaches he wants to stand with him on the sidelines.
"He's the head coach," Ireland said.
He said he's a scout at heart, and he sees his role as going out to find the best players for the new coach. Philbin said he's been given a clear indication that he will have the resources needed to get the job done, and that includes players.
The new coach deflected questions about how he'll fix the offense, or what player changes he'll make. He said it's simply too early to get into all of that.
"I'm still getting my feet wet. We've got a lot of work with the roster, learning strengths and weakness, find out what we need to do, and then, start."
Philbin, who was one of three finalists interviewed by owner Steve Ross in New York, said he felt an immediate connection with the owner and General Manager Ireland.
"It told Steve and Jeff, I'm 50 years old, and I anticipate this being the last job I ever take,"
