Mike Sherman is very familiar with his new boss in Miami.
Sherman hired Joe Philbin, now the head coach of the Dolphins, as an assistant offensive line coach in Green Bay in 2003. Sherman was the Packers' head coach and Philbin was working at Iowa.
In returning the favor, Philbin hired Sherman to be the Dolphins offensive coordinator, but he should be a natural fit.
They share the West Coast offense roots Philbin plans to build his scheme around and the 57-year-old Sherman is considered a very good teacher of quarterbacks. He came with a ringing endorsement from Aaron Rodgers, who played for both coaches.
The quarterback-needy Dolphins might now give stronger consideration to a few available options -- free agent Matt Flynn of the Packers and Texas A&M senior Ryan Tannehill, who played the last four seasons under Sherman with the Aggies.
Kevin Coyle was named defensive coordinator. Coyle, 56, has been a college defensive coordinator at multiple stops but for the last nine years was the Bengals cornerbacks coach.
"They are exactly what I am looking for in terms of leadership, character, and teaching ability," Philbin said. "They are both very passionate about the game of football and the players they coach, and that enthusiasm is evident in the meetings rooms and on the field. They are excellent family men and I'm thrilled they are joining the Dolphins' football family. I can't wait to get started to work with them."
