Kelly: OC Chan Gailey wasn’t ’Fins’ problem

Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey resigned Wednesday after one season with the team.

Gailey, who turned 69 on Tuesday, came out of a three-year retirement to reunite with veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, coach rookie starter Tua Tagovailoa and lead the Dolphins offense under coach Brian Flores.

Now Flores will need to find a new offensive coordinator for the third consecutive offseason.

“I want to thank Chan for all of his hard work and dedication in what was a unique year,” Flores said in a statement. “He played an important role on the staff and in the development of our young roster.

“I wish him all the best.” Dolphins tight ends coach George Godsey, who took on a greater role working alongside Tagovailoa on the bench between series, may be the best in-house candidate.

Godsey served as Houston Texans quarterbacks coach in 2014 before being offensive coordinator in 2015-16. He also was the Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach in 2018.

Fired Texans coach and former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is a logical outside candidate, although it is unclear how the Dolphins will approach the search.

Gailey’s goal offensively was to put together long, arduous drives totaling 10 or more plays to control the ball and the clock. He also tried to implement a run-pass offensive scheme that benefits Tagovailoa, who had success with the same offense at Alabama.

While Tagovailoa had some success in such long drives, he has also benefited from moving faster and running a hurry-up offense. The Dolphins offense also looked considerably different when Fitzpatrick ran it.

It is also unclear whether the

Dolphins will need to hire new assistants to coach their quarterbacks and offensive line.

When Gailey was hired, the Dolphins hired offensive line coach Steve Marshall and quarterbacks coach Robby Brown, who both previously worked with Gailey.

Gailey just finished his 21st season as an NFL coach and his second tenure with the Dolphins. He has also served as head coach for the Buffalo Bills (2010-12), Georgia Tech (2002-07), the Dallas Cowboys (1998-99), Samford University (1993), the Birmingham Fire (1991-92) and Troy State (1983-84).

Gailey’s resignation comes one day after Flores said he expects his coaching staff to return for the 2021 season and two days after ESPN incorrectly reported Gailey was fired.

ESPN later released a statement saying the story was published in error.

Gailey’s resignation marks another offensive coaching change after Flores fired longtime co-worker Chad O’Shea from the position after their first seasons in Miami in 2019.

O’Shea’s offense was considered too complex for the young players on the team, and the Dolphins offense was near the bottom of the league in several categories that year.

Of the 14 teams that made the playoffs this season, 11 of them ranked in the top 15 in scoring.

The Dolphins ranked 15th in scoring and 22nd in yards gained during the 2020 season with Gailey as coordinator, while they ranked 25th in scoring and 27th in yards with O’Shea in 2019.

After selecting Tagovailoa with the fifth pick in the 2020 NFL draft, the Dolphins must address their offensive skill positions this offseason.

Along with free agency, the Dolphins own the No. 3 and No. 18 picks in the first round of the 2021 draft in April.

SUSAN STOCKER/SOUTH FLORIDASUN SENTINEL Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has stepped down from his position with the Dolphins after just one season.