DOLPHINS: Miami hires Chargers OC Cam Cameron to be their head coach

[Nick]

Source: Dolphins, Cameron expected to finalize deal
ESPN.com news services
Friday, January 19, 2007

The Miami Dolphins have extended an offer to Cam Cameron to be their next head coach, and while there was still plenty of detail work to be completed on his contract, the San Diego Chargers' offensive coordinator is poised to accept the job.

"He wants the job and the Dolphins want to [complete a deal] by tonight," a source close to the negotiations told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli on Friday afternoon. "There's still a lot to get finished, but I can't see where it would fall apart."

It is believed the Dolphins were faxing elements of the contract to Cameron's agent, Gary O'Hagan, whose office is in Minneapolis, for his review.

When Cameron returned to the Dolphins' complex Friday accompanied by general manager Randy Mueller, it raised speculation the team might be on the verge of hiring him. Team owner Wayne Huizenga and chief executive Joe Bailey arrived earlier at the complex ahead of Cameron and Mueller.

Chan Gailey, also considered a strong candidate, told his athletic director that he is remaining at Georgia Tech, even though Gailey had no contact with the Dolphins on Friday morning, Georgia Tech sources tell ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Cameron has been in South Florida since Wednesday, when he began a second round of interviews. The Dolphins, looking to replace Nick Saban who left for Alabama on Jan. 3, said Thursday they hoped to make a decision by Saturday.

Timing is an issue because of next week's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., where teams scout college prospects and assemble coaching staffs.

Cameron, who first interviewed with the Dolphins shortly after Saban left, became available when San Diego was eliminated from the playoffs last Sunday.

Dolphins defensive coordinator Dom Capers, former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora and former Alabama coach Mike Shula, the son of ex-Dolphins coach Don Shula, also have been considered candidates to replace Saban.

Cameron was coach at his alma mater, Indiana, from 1997-2001 and has directed a high-powered attack the past five years at San Diego. The Dolphins might opt for a coach with an offensive background because a sputtering offense is a major reason Miami failed to make the playoffs the past five seasons.

The Dolphins interviewed at least 13 candidates in their most extensive coaching search since the franchise's first season in 1966.

[Varg6]

Coordinator Cam Cameron rode the Chargers' high-powered offense in 2006 all the way to his first NFL head coaching job. After a two-week search, the Dolphins signed him to a four-year contract Friday.

[BigGameMN]

Hmmmm, I'm a little confused by this. Nothing against Cam Cameron, but I don't think he'll be a successful head coach. He coached at Indiana and wasn't very good, and it was his offense that didn't get the ball to LT in the Pat game.

[ramsplaya16]

IMO good signing by the dolphins, this should help the offense alot

[Varg6]

Originally Posted by BigGameMN

Hmmmm, I'm a little confused by this. Nothing against Cam Cameron, but I don't think he'll be a successful head coach. He coached at Indiana and wasn't very good, and it was his offense that didn't get the ball to LT in the Pat game.

True, but he got them to have the leading offense of the NFL, and frankly, I think thats what the Miami organization was eying. I think he'll probably be good for their offense, but I doubt he'll be a one year wonder like Sean Payton. Miami has a good defense, but I think they're gonna have a rebuilding year this year...