Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Gase, Tannehill could face uncertain futures
Coach, quarterback jobs are not on firm footing if GM leaves
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Miami Dolphins coach Adam Gase and quarterback Ryan Tannehill were both not in the mood to discuss their futures following the 2018 season finale on Sunday.
The Dolphins ended their season with a 42-17 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in New Era Stadium, finishing with a 7-9 record and igniting an offseason that could change the outlook of the franchise moving forward.
Dolphins owner Steve Ross could decide to move on from Gase, vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum and/or general manager Chris Grier.
Tannehill could have also played his final game with the franchise after seven seasons, including six as the starting quarterback.
“I’m not even thinking about that right now because we just got drummed on the road,” Gase said following the game.
Added Tannehill: “I have not communicated [with] anybody about that. I was focused fully on this game and coming out with a win. Obviously, that didn’t happen. ... It’s tough to even think about that moving forward.”
Gase and Tannehill were able to find an early spark to their union during the 2016 season, which resulted in the Dolphins reaching the playoffs for the third time since the 2000 season.
While Miami lost to Pittsburgh in the AFC wild-card game that season, the foundation looked set for a promising run with Tannehill and Gase.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins finished 6-10 and 7-9 the next two seasons.
Various injuries to Tannehill — along with spotty performances — also hindered the Dolphins.
“I know God has a plan for my life, whatever it may be,” Tannehill said regarding his future.
While Tannehill returned from a five-game absence after a shoulder injury to play in Miami’s final six games of the season, he was unable to elevate the Dolphins to the playoffs.
Tannehill is 42-46 in 88 games as the Dolphins quarterback since being drafted in 2012. He has missed 25 games due to various injuries the past three seasons, including all of the 2016 season.
Tannehill also did not care to address the possibility of returning to the team next season, or even grooming a rookie quarterback if the Dolphins drafted one this offseason.
“I’m not getting into that right now,” Tannehill said.
As it stands, Gase finished his third season, compiling a 23-25 regular-season record as Dolphins coach.
The Dolphins started 3-0 this season, lost six of their next eight games, and won two games that came down to the final plays at home against the Bills and New England Patriots to begin the last month of the season.
But after Miami’s miracle win over New England on Dec. 9, the Dolphins finished the season losing three straight games and being outscored 100-41.
Injuries to other players were also a major factor that dictated the results of this season, according to Gase.
The Dolphins played their past four games without star cornerback Xavien Howard, who reportedly had his knee scope.
Leading rusher Frank Gore, a 14-year veteran, missed the final two games of the season with a foot injury. Safety T.J. McDonald also missed the past two games with an ankle injury.
Starting safety Reshad Jones (leg) and defensive Bobby McCain (ankle) left the Bills finale due to injuries, while linebacker Kiko Alonso and defensive end Robert Quinn left after being ejected following a late hit on Josh Allen in the third quarter.
Over the course of the season, the Dolphins had 13 players land on injured reserve, including some key pieces that could have helped on both sides of the football like receivers Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant, offensive linemen Daniel Kilgore and Josh Sitton, and defensive linemen William Hayes and Vincent Taylor.
“We’ve got a long process to go,” Gase said of his approach after this season. “We’ll get the guys checked out after this, and we just kinda have to regroup and figure out how we want to do everything in the offseason.
“It’s a long ways away from us right now, it feels like.”