Caldwell likely joining new staff

Brian Flores could potentially add an experienced former NFL head coach to his Miami Dolphins coaching staff once his hire becomes official.

The Dolphins are expected to add former Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell to Flores’ staff in some capacity, according to a report Monday by Sports Illustrated’s MMQB.

The Dolphins cannot officially hire Flores, the New England Patriots defensive play-caller, as their next head coach until New England’s season ends. The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers over the weekend, and will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game this Sunday.

Once Flores’ hire is official, Caldwell could join the Dolphins coaching staff as an associate head coach, according to the report, to aid the first-time head coach.

Caldwell, 63, posted a 26-22 record as Colts coach from 2009-11, and a 36-28 record with the Lions from 2013-17. He interviewed for the vacant Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns coaching jobs this month, but was not hired.

The report states that Flores, who is 37 years old, coveted new Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury and recently promoted Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman as candidates to be his offensive coordinator in Miami.

While Caldwell could fill that role for Flores, the report states Flores could also hire a younger offensive coordinator along with Caldwell to bolster his offensive coaching staff.

Flores became known as the Dolphins’ top candidate for their vacant head coaching job last week after six other teams hired new coaches.

The Cincinnati Bengals are in a similar situation to the Dolphins as they are expected to hire Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor as their next coach. The Rams will face the New Orleans Saints this Sunday in the NFC title game.