Changes expected for Dolphins

ByJAMES WALKER
December 30, 2013, 12:40 PM

— -- DAVIE, Fla. -- Changes are expected within the Miami Dolphins organization following their two-game collapse to end the season.

Miami (8-8) finished its fifth consecutive non-winning season in embarrassing fashion, with back-to-back losses to the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. The Dolphins were outscored 39-7 in those games.

Coach Joe Philbin acknowledged Monday that the Dolphins "need to make changes" in order to get better in 2014. Miami began its internal evaluations Monday, a process expected to take a couple of weeks.

"We certainly need to make changes, adjustments, tweaks, additions, deletions," Philbin said during his season-ending news conference. "That's part of the process. I'm confident there will be [changes]. But right now there's none to be addressed."

Owner Stephen Ross faces difficult decisions regarding the team's front office and coaching staff. However, according to Philbin (who is 15-17 in two seasons), Ross has not discussed job security with him.

Several members of the organization are on the hot seat, among them general manager Jeff Ireland, offensive coordinator Mike Sherman and offensive line coach Jim Turner. Miami was ranked 27th in the league in offense and allowed a franchise-record 58 sacks.

Philbin defended his coaching staff Monday -- particularly Sherman, who is a close friend and mentor. Philbin declined to say whether he would be willing to fire Sherman if asked to do so by ownership.

"Mike Sherman is an excellent football coach," Philbin said. "That's what I think."

Philbin also maintained that he believes Miami is "close" and headed in the right direction.

"I have a lot of faith and confidence in myself, the staff and our players that we can make the corrections necessary to lead this team to its potential and consistently compete for championships," Philbin said. "That's what I said the day I got here. I stand by what I said the day I got here, and I'm confident I can do that."