DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins made the first head-coaching change of the 2015 season with Monday's firing of Joe Philbin. Tight ends coach Dan Campbell will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Here are five things to know about Campbell, who at 39 will be the youngest current head coach in the NFL:
1. He played for a decade in the NFL: Campbell made his name as an NFL tight end for 10 years with the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions. Campbell was more of a blocking tight end, registering 91 career receptions for 934 yards and 11 touchdowns in 114 career games. He played for Bill Parcells in Dallas, where Sean Payton was the offensive coordinator. Campbell ended his playing career with Payton's New Orleans Saints, spending the 2009 season on injured reserve as the team went on to win the Super Bowl.
2. Campbell has respect of the team: The Dolphins needed a new voice, and owner Stephen Ross made the right call to go with Campbell. His background as a former player helps when it comes to earning respect in the locker room. Campbell can better relate to the day-to-day stress his players are going through. There was a growing disconnect between players and coaches that was apparent in the team's performance. The team looked mostly uninspired in the first four games this season under Philbin. Perhaps Campbell can change some of that energy.
3. Campbell's players produce: Campbell, for my money, was the best assistant on Miami’s coaching staff. His players always produce. Tight ends Jordan Cameron, Dion Sims, Charles Clay and others have been solid under Campbell's tutelage. Clay, in particular, was a former sixth-round draft pick who earned a big contract this past offseason with the Buffalo Bills.
4. Campbell and Ryan Tannehill share common ground: The head coach and quarterback need to be on the same page for an organization to be successful. So it doesn't hurt that Campbell and Tannehill both played for Texas A&M.
5. Campbell is Miami's second interim coach in four years: Current New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles, a former Dolphins assistant, took over the final three games of 2011 after Tony Sparano was let go, and Miami went 2-1. Campbell could become a candidate for the permanent job in 2016 if the Dolphins are competitive over these next dozen games.