National Football League

After rocky finale, Mike Wallace unsure of future with Dolphins

Published Dec. 29, 2014 1:07 p.m. ET

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DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins receiver Mike Wallace was benched for the second half of Sunday's 37-24 loss to the New York Jets due to what Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin called a "coach's decision."

Following the game, Wallace stood in the locker room tight-lipped, with his arms crossed while teammate and fellow wideout Brandon Gibson spoke on his behalf in a now infamous postgame interview.

On Monday, Wallace told the story in his own, very limited words.

"It was a coach's decision, so I went along with it," Wallace said while cleaning out his locker at the team's practice facility.

Wallace, who was targeted only once by quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the first half of Sunday's loss, denied reports that he had personally asked to be taken out of the game and insists that wide receivers coach Ken O'Keefe simply informed him at halftime that he would not be returning to action.

"I was just told I was done for the second half," he said.

Somehow managing to divulge nearly as little as he did when he failed to speak on Sunday, Wallace managed to deflect question after question on Monday by simply reiterating that his benching was, in fact, a coach's decision.

As for his relationship with the aforementioned head coach, Wallace insisted that Sunday's bizarre incident was scarcely touched upon in his exit meeting with Philbin on Monday.

"We didn't really talk about it too much," said Wallace, who tied a career-high with 10 touchdown receptions this season. "I didn't really have too much to say.

"The coach is the guy who puts us in the situation. He's the guy who makes the best decisions for the team. I feel like he made the best decision. He did what he felt was right and I stand behind it."

Philbin, meanwhile, maintains that he and Wallace have a good working relationship despite ending the season on a sour note.

"I had a conversation with him during the game and made a coaching decision. It's really nothing more complicated than that," said Philbin.

Gibson, who spoke for himself rather than his teammate on Monday, said that it's easy to sense Wallace's frustration with his role in the offense and believes that these feelings have been boiling up in his teammate from as early as last season.

"I know the frustrating part for him is not being involved as much as he wanted to be," said Gibson. "I think that'd be frustrating for any player in any situation, especially for a player of his caliber. ... He just wants to contribute, I know that deep down."

Due $9.85 million next season as part of a five-year, $60 million contract that runs through 2017, Wallace insists that he would like to return to Miami next season.

When asked by reporters if he believes he will return in 2015, however, Wallace's words lacked confidence.

"I'm not sure," he said.

You can follow Jameson Olive on Twitter @JamesonCoop or email him at JamesonOlive@gmail.com.

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