At a Glance
- The Dolphins are interviewing Clint Hurtt, Eagles defensive line coach, for their defensive coordinator role.
- Hurtt has improved the Eagles’ interior linemen, producing a 2nd-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in his first year as a starter.
- The Dolphins’ defense fell from 10th in yards allowed and 4th in points in 2024 to 23rd in yards and 24th in points this year.
Why it matters: The Dolphins need a coordinator who can reverse a decline in defensive performance.
The Dolphins have turned their attention to the Eagles’ defensive line coach Clint Hurtt as they look to revitalize a defense that slipped from top rankings last season.
Dolphins’ Defensive Coordinator Search
The team’s search for a new defensive coordinator has intensified after the departure of veteran coach Anthony Weaver, who has been with Miami for the last two years. Weaver replaced Vic Fangio and was not expected to return after Jeff Hafley took over as head coach. The Dolphins now have an opening that could define the direction of their defense.
- Weaver’s tenure saw the Dolphins rank 10th in yards allowed and 4th in points in 2024.
- In the current season, the unit dropped to 23rd in yards and 24th in points.
- The coaching vacancy opens a window for a fresh defensive philosophy.
Clint Hurtt’s Coaching Resume
Hurtt’s résumé spans several NFL programs:
- 2014: Joined the Chicago Bears under Marc Trestman, working alongside former Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai.
- Stayed with the Bears under John Fox, then moved to Seattle to serve as assistant head coach and defensive line coach for five years.
- Became defensive coordinator for the Seahawks for two seasons.
- Joined the Eagles in 2024 as defensive line coach and senior defensive assistant.
His experience includes coaching a defensive line that produced a 2nd-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in Jalen Carter, one of the most improved players in the league. Hurtt also oversaw Jordan Davis, a top performer, and Moro Ojomo, who logged six sacks, ranking 7th-most among all defensive tackles.
Eagles’ Interior Line Performance
Under Hurtt, the Eagles’ interior linemen have been a standout unit:
- The team is one of only three in the league with three interior linemen each recording at least three sacks.
- Jalen Carter’s emergence as a starter has earned him All-Pro honors.
- Jordan Davis’s improvement has made him a key contributor.
- Moro Ojomo’s six sacks place him near the top of the league for defensive tackles.
This performance showcases Hurtt’s ability to develop talent and improve pass-rush effectiveness.
Impact on Dolphins’ Defense
The Dolphins’ defensive decline has prompted a search for a coordinator who can:
- Translate interior line success into overall defensive improvement.
- Implement schemes that leverage the strengths of existing players.
- Rebuild a unit that once ranked among the league’s best.
If Hurtt is hired, Miami could benefit from his proven track record of turning a line into a defensive asset.
Other Coaching Moves
The Eagles are also losing other defensive talent:
- Defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator Christian Parker was hired by the Cowboys earlier this week.
- The Eagles currently lack an assistant defensive tackles coach.
- Jeremiah Washburn coaches edge rushers, while Tyler Yelk is listed as a defensive assistant and Tyler Scudder serves as a defensive quality control coach.
These moves underscore the urgency for the Dolphins to secure a coordinator quickly.
Key Takeaways
- The Dolphins are interviewing Clint Hurtt for their defensive coordinator role.
- Hurtt’s success with the Eagles’ interior line, highlighted by a 2nd-team All-Pro and six sacks, makes him a strong candidate.
- The Dolphins’ defense has slipped from 10th in yards allowed and 4th in points in 2024 to 23rd and 24th respectively.
- The hiring decision could reverse a downward trend and set the stage for future defensive success.
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The article is based on information reported by Emily Carter Reynolds for News Of Philadelphia.
