The NFL is a copycat league. I still remember when our Miami Dolphins shocked the NFL by defeating the New England Patriots in their own stadium with their version of the Wildcat offense. Within just a few weeks, every NFL team suddenly added a play or formation inspired by Miami’s Wildcat. None managed to replicate the production the Dolphins achieved in that one game or even in the following games that season. Similarly, many teams attempted to emulate New England’s long-term success by hiring Bill Belichick’s assistant coaches, but this rarely worked, as they all seemed to struggle at the helm of another team. They often just returned to the Patriots to help them continue the ridiculous run of success under Belichick.
This is not to say that there are no examples of teams copying what others have found success with and it working. It’s relatively easy to argue that teams that have emulated others have not only seen success but have sometimes achieved even greater outcomes. Some individuals or teams enhance what they have learned from others, creating even greater success for themselves. That’s undoubtedly what the Miami Dolphins fan base hoped for when the team hired Mike McDaniel. McDaniel still has time to prove that he can take what he has learned from all the coaches he previously worked with, add his unique perspective, and succeed with it. Let’s all hope that it happens, and happens sooner rather than later!
However, this post is not about coaches but focuses on the individuals who determine which coaches possess the appropriate systems and pedigree to manage their on-field performance. The front offices across the NFL not only hire the head coach and other coaches- often with input from the owner- but also decide which players to draft, trade for, or sign in free agency for those coaches to manage on the field. When considering which front office is deemed the best, a recent poll favored the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers. Other teams mentioned highly include the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. I would also contend that the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers have maintained at least a decent, if not great, product on the field for an extended duration of time.
So this evening’s Phinsider Question Of The Day is: If you could pick one NFL front office for our Miami Dolphins to emulate, who would it be and why?
Please give us your thoughts and answers in the comments section below-