Miami Dolphins announced on Monday that head coach Brian Flores has been fired after three seasons with the team. The news comes as a surprise considering the Miami Dolphins have had a stellar run, winning the last eight of their nine games, with their most recent victory coming against the New England Patriots. They also have back-to-back winning seasons under Flores’ guidance.

Though the Dolphins finished this season at 9-8 after a 1-7 start, they missed the playoffs for the fifth year. 

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Stephen Ross, the owner of Miami Dolphins, released a statement, saying “I made a decision today to part ways with Brian Flores. After evaluating where we are as an organization and what we need going forward to improve, I determined that key dynamics of our football organization weren’t functioning at a level I want it to be and felt that this decision was in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins. I believe we have a talented young roster in place and have the opportunity to be much better in 2022.” He concluded, saying “I want to thank Brian for his hard work and wish him nothing but the best in his future.”

The 40-year-old Flores was 24-25 in the three years he had as head coach. At the time of his hiring, in February 2019, he became the 13th head coach in the history of the Dolphins. Prior to this, he spent several years as a Patriots’ assistant. 

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When Sunday’s win had capped a season sweep of their rivals, New England, for the first time since 2000, Flores expressed pride in his team making a comeback after numerous losses. He said, “The credit goes to the players, coaches. I am always going to feel like and wish I could have done more. And our guys did work hard, from the players and coaches, obviously our support staff. It’s a special group. I’m happy, I’m proud to be a part of it.”

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Notably, the Dolphins have not won a single playoff since December 2000, when the head coach was Dave Wannstedt. Since the time, the team has been through Jim Bates, Nick Saban, Cam Cameron, Tony Sparano, Todd Bowles, Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell, Adam Gase and now Brian Flores. 

While Black Monday, the day after the regular NFL season ends, sees several clubs parting ways with their coaches, reports suggest Chris Grier will remain as the general manager of the Dolphins for now.