The Dolphins went into their coaching search with an original top three choices in mind:  Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden and Jeff Fisher.  It turned out the first two weren't interested, while Fisher decided the Rams were a better situation.  That now leaves the Dolphins with a revised top three choices in mind.  Each of these candidates has already interviewed for the head coaching job, but they'll now get a 2nd interview this week.  

Here's a breakdown of each one and what they have to offer.

 

MIKE MCCOY

Offensive Coordinator of the Denver Broncos

Age: 39 

Pros: McCoy transformed an entire offense mid-season to cater to the skills of Tim Tebow.  While that offense wasn't always fun to watch, it was effective in helping the Broncos turn into a division winner.  McCoy has NFL experience as a quarterbacks coach and is known as someone who can help QB's improve.  He helped Kyle Orton improve into a consistent QB, while he slowly, but surely helped Tebow become a bit more polished.  He fits the bill of the young coach that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has talked about. 

Cons: He has very little experience as an offensive coordinator, and his offenses haven't been that dynamic.  While his lack of experience might not bother Ross that much, it has to be a concern on whether he can become a successful NFL head coach.  You also have to wonder what kind of a staff he'll be able to assemble. 

 

JOE PHILBIN

Offensive Coordinator of the Green Bay Packers

Age: 51 

Pros: Philbin seems to fit the bill of being the dynamic offensive mind Ross has mentioned he wants.  Granted, he had a lot of talent to work with in Green Bay, but Packers players praise his work ethic and knowledge.  While QB's like Aaron Rodgers don't grow on trees, Philbin played a role in helping Rodgers develop.  You can't help but be impressed with the fact that his offenses in Green Bay all ranked in the Top 10 in the league in points and yards since he took the job in 2007. 

Cons: He's the not main play-caller with the Packers.  That title goes to head coach Mike McCarthy.  That brings into question on whether he's really the driving force in the Packers offense or just an accessory to McCarthy.  Also, while he's clearly played a role in their success, the Packers have been loaded with talent, especially at the QB position.  He won't have a Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers with the Fins.  Like McCoy, he's never been a head coach in college or the NFL.

 

TODD BOWLES

Interim Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins

Age: 48 

Pros: Bowles is familiar with GM Jeff Ireland, working with him in Dallas and now in Miami.  Also, Ross must think highly of him after tagging him with the interim title once Tony Sparano was fired.  He also has the respect of the players.  While he's a soft spoken guy, the team rallied around him over the final three games of the season.  He wouldn't need time to adjust to the players and vice versa. 

Cons: Bowles is a defensive guy.  While this team has been built around defense over the last decade, you have to wonder what kind of offensive staff Bowles can put together.  He doesn't have experience making big decisions.  A secondaries coach for most of his career, can he handle the pressure of leading a team for a full season?  His hiring may also alienate a fan base that wants change.  Bowles certainly wouldn't be that.  He's in the Bill Parcells tree, having worked under him in Dallas, and he seems to have many of the same concepts Sparano had.