Dolphins hire Nolan-- That Was Fast!--MERGED

[broncofaninfla]

Dolphins hire Nolan (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/19/dolphins-hire-nolan/)

Posted by Mike Florio on January 19, 2010 2:07 PM ET
Yesterday at this time, Mike Nolan was the defensive coordinator of the Broncos.

Today, he's the defensive coordinator of the Dolphins.

Jay Glazer of FOX reports that the deal is done.

It's still not clear why Nolan and Broncos coach Josh McDaniels mutually decided to part ways. But, apparently, Nolan had a bird in the hand before he bolted from the Broncos.

[missingnumber7]

Not a supprise that he has a job the day after he was no longer a coach in Denver. He is a good DC and has Parcells connections through Al Groh with the Jets.

[T.K.O.]

Posted 17 minutes ago151 Comments 12 Recommendations E-mail
Nolan hired to lead Dolphins' defense one day after leaving Denver
NFL.com Wire Reports


The Miami Dolphins hired Mike Nolan to be their defensive coordinator, the team announced Tuesday.

Nolan spent the 2009 season directing the Denver Broncos' defense, but the sides agreed to part ways Monday.

The Dolphins had been seeking a replacement for former defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, whom they fired after the season.


Jeff Chiu / Associated Press
Mike Nolan spent one season with the Broncos and helped their defense improve in every category.

Broncos' defensive improvement: 2008 to 2009
Statistic 2008 2009
Points Per Game 28.0 (30th) 20.2 (tied for 12th)
Total Yards Per Game 374.6 (29th) 315.0 (7th)
Rushing Yards Per Game 146.1 (27th) 128.7 (26th)
Passing Yards Per Game 228.5 (26th) 186.3 (3rd)
Takeaways 13 (32nd) 30 (9th)
NFL.com's Steve Wyche reported Monday that the Dolphins asked the Broncos for permission to speak to Nolan, but it isn't known if that call caused the split. Nolan told The Denver Post only that he and the Broncos had "mutually agreed to part ways," and a team-issued statement echoed that sentiment.

A source with knowledge of the situation in Denver also told NFL Network's Jason La Canfora that several teams had contacted the Broncos seeking permission to speak to Nolan. The Chicago Bears and New England Patriots are looking for defensive coordinators, too.

Nolan was credited with improving the Broncos' defense, which went from 29th in the NFL in 2008 to seventh this season under his tutelage. He's considered one of the best teachers and schemers of the 3-4 defense, which the Dolphins also run.

Nolan previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens (2002-04), New York Jets (2000), Washington Redskins (1997-99) and New York Giants (1993-96). He started his NFL career with the Broncos as the special teams and linebackers coach under Dan Reeves from 1987 to 1992.

Nolan was 18-37 in three-plus seasons as the San Francisco 49ers' coach before he was fired seven games into the 2008 campaign.

Nolan becomes the third member of coach Josh McDaniels' inaugural staff to depart Denver following a disappointing 8-8 season. Offensive line coach Rick Dennison left for the Houston Texans' staff, and longtime running backs coach Bobby Turner was reunited with Mike Shanahan in Washington. Both Dennison and Turner were holdovers from the Shanahan era.

The Broncos intend to interview outside candidates to replace Nolan rather than promote from within, La Canfora reported, citing a source. Dean Pees, who has strong ties to McDaniels from their New England days, recently decided not to seek a new contract from the Patriots and is a favorite to land the position in Denver.

Whoever replaces Nolan will be the Broncos' fifth defensive coordinator in a five-season span.

After being fired by 49ers, Nolan tried his hand in broadcasting but found himself wanting to return to coaching. Then McDaniels came calling, offering Nolan a chance to turn around a Denver defense that had slid under Shanahan.




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Known as a defensive wizard, Nolan jumped at the challenge. He holed up in his office last offseason as he installed a new look and shuffled personnel. The Broncos tried to give Nolan the pieces, bringing in perennial Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins to serve as a leader and add a swagger that had been missing.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of Nolan's system was defensive end/linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who was able to use his long arms and low center of gravity off the edge of the line. Dumervil turned in a Pro Bowl season, finishing with an NFL-leading and team-record 17 sacks.

The Broncos started the season 6-0 and were the talk of the league. Then they went into a free fall, losing eight of their next 10 games to miss the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year.

The Broncos' defense allowed a season-high 44 points and 524 yards in a season-ending loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Associated

[T.K.O.]

he had that job before he was released by the broncos....;)

[Denver Native (Carol)]

well - surprise - surprise - not

[MileHighCrew]

I also think that should tell us about the level of DC we just let get away. He might have been very unhappy and it might be teh best move for teh Broncos but we lost one hell of a DC

[T.K.O.]

let us have a moment of silence for the loss of our dc................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................................ok ....now , LETS GET READY TO BUILD A SUPERBOWL DYNASTY IN DENVER !!!!!

[Ravage!!!]

Its not a coincidence that Pees announces he is leaving and not being fired for 'other opportunities'... and we have an open position.

Why is it hard to see that it was "mutually agreed" upon that McDaniels let Nolan know he was going to persue Pees, and that he would allow a team to hire him if he knew where he could get a job.

Seems thats pretty simple. "Mike, I think we both know that you expected more command over the defense. I think that it would be best if I pursued Pees, and this way you can find a job opportunity that fits you better."

Its a mutual agreement that Nolan wasn't wanted here any longer. Mutual, because they both knew they couldn't work together. It had to be mutual, so that Nolan wasn't "fired."

Its not surprising that Nolan contacted Miami and let him know that he would be available after having his After season meetings with the coach. Thats when they both agreed it would be best for Nolan to find another job.

[broncofaninfla]

he had that job before he was released by the broncos....;)


No he didn't, that's pure speculation

[arapaho2]

let us have a moment of silence for the loss of our dc................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................................ok ....now , LETS GET READY TO BUILD A SUPERBOWL DYNASTY IN DENVER !!!!!

dynastys need a elite qb...we dont have one

[broncofaninfla]

well - surprise - surprise - not

Not a surprise at all, Nolan is a stud DC, Miami jumped on him before the others could. You want more speculation, Mcd's desire to have Pees over Nolan started this latest embarrasment.

[arapaho2]

Its not a coincidence that Pees announces he is leaving and not being fired for 'other opportunities'... and we have an open position.

Why is it hard to see that it was "mutually agreed" upon that McDaniels let Nolan know he was going to persue Pees, and that he would allow a team to hire him if he knew where he could get a job.

Seems thats pretty simple. "Mike, I think we both know that you expected more command over the defense. I think that it would be best if I pursued Pees, and this way you can find a job opportunity that fits you better."

Its a mutual agreement that Nolan wasn't wanted here any longer. Mutual, because they both knew they couldn't work together. It had to be mutual, so that Nolan wasn't "fired."

Its not surprising that Nolan contacted Miami and let him know that he would be available after having his After season meetings with the coach. Thats when they both agreed it would be best for Nolan to find another job.


yeah that about right....funny though for the josh crew its because nolan left on his own....they never can put 2 n 2 together and see...nolan was here..we never thought he would leave this soon....patriot coach loses job....suddenly theres a conflict..nolan leaves

[broncofaninfla]

let us have a moment of silence for the loss of our dc................................................ .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................................ok ....now , LETS GET READY TO BUILD A SUPERBOWL DYNASTY IN DENVER !!!!!

Really??

[T.K.O.]

No he didn't, that's pure speculation

i dont mean we let him go because he found another job....im saying it was all set before the 2 (mcd and nolan) broke the news.
its not all conspiracy and evil doings....sorry
its just life and people move on and change etc....it WILL be ok:rolleyes:
besides i can speculate with the best of em'

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Not a surprise at all, Nolan is a stud DC, Miami jumped on him before the others could. You want more speculation, Mcd's desire to have Pees over Nolan started this latest embarrasment.

If that is the case, why was Nolan not let go the minute the Broncos' season was over, and Pees immediately hired as his replacement?

[Northman]

I also think that should tell us about the level of DC we just let get away. He might have been very unhappy and it might be teh best move for teh Broncos but we lost one hell of a DC

The fact that he didnt see eye to eye with McD tells me everything i need to know about what went down. He was a major reason as too why we had any success last year. Maybe Bowlen should of offered Nolan the HC job. :confused:

[Northman]

Not a surprise at all, Nolan is a stud DC, Miami jumped on him before the others could. You want more speculation, Mcd's desire to have Pees over Nolan started this latest embarrasment.

You mean Pees isnt hired yet? Surely he is worth more than Nolan. Come on McD, whats taking so long? Lose your pen?

[broncofaninfla]

If that is the case, why was Nolan not let go the minute the Broncos' season was over, and Pees immediately hired as his replacement?

I'm guessing because Pees is under contract with the Patriots until the end of January. Also Mcd and Nolan didn't sit down face to face until Monday. Remember when Mcd said there would be no rash decisions at the end of the year presser? I'm guessing this is one of those decisions. NE can grant us permission to speak to Pees or we can wait until the end of January.

I get the feeling Mcd would change Denvers name from Broncos to Patriots if he could swing it......

[claymore]

Not a surprise at all, Nolan is a stud DC, Miami jumped on him before the others could. You want more speculation, Mcd's desire to have Pees over Nolan started this latest embarrasment.

:vomit:

[CoachChaz]

Cynicism has no boundaries

[broncofaninfla]

Cynicism has no boundaries


Neither does ignorance

[claymore]

Neither does ignorance
It must be nice to not give a shit, or just be blind to the clear pattern, and factual events that have lead so many people to dislike Josh McDaniels.

I seriously cannot see how people can defend him.

Its like the Obama love. Where did it come from, and what has he done to earn it?