In a surprising twist to the NFL offseason, Darrell Bevell, former head coach of the Detroit Lions, has officially joined the Miami Dolphins’ coaching staff. The announcement was made earlier today by the Dolphins’ organization, which confirmed that Bevell will be taking on a significant role in the team’s offensive play-calling and development.
The move comes as a surprise to many in the NFL world, as Bevell had spent the previous year analyzing his next steps after parting ways with Detroit. However, Bevell’s shift to Miami signals a fresh start in a dynamic new environment under the leadership of Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
While the move is exciting for Miami fans, it also sends ripples through the league and raises several questions regarding the future of coaching careers, particularly in Detroit, where Bevell’s tenure was part of a turbulent chapter for the Lions.
Bevell’s Impact in Detroit: A Rocky Road
Darrell Bevell served as the interim head coach for the Detroit Lions during the final weeks of the 2020 season, after the team parted ways with Matt Patricia. Bevell was expected to bring a sense of stability to the franchise during a time of significant transition, and while the Lions showed flashes of promise under his guidance, the results were ultimately inconsistent.
Bevell’s tenure in Detroit saw mixed reviews from players and fans alike. His offensive philosophy, which was once praised for its aggressive play-calling, struggled to find its rhythm in Detroit’s rebuilding year. The Lions finished the 2020 season with a disappointing 5-11 record, and Bevell was let go after the season ended.
Despite the underwhelming results, Bevell’s time in Detroit was not without its high points. His ability to work with quarterbacks, including helping young signal-callers develop, garnered attention, and many of the players on the roster spoke positively of his leadership style. But in the end, the Lions opted to start fresh with head coach Dan Campbell in 2021, marking the end of Bevell’s tenure with the organization.
A New Beginning in Miami
Bevell’s move to the Dolphins marks the next chapter in his long NFL coaching career. Miami head coach Mike McDaniel, known for his innovative offensive schemes, has been looking for a seasoned coach to help develop the team’s offense further, and Bevell’s track record as both a coordinator and head coach makes him an attractive asset.
“I’m excited to join Coach McDaniel’s staff here in Miami,” said Bevell during the press conference announcing his hiring. “This is an organization with a bright future, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the growth of the team and the development of our young talent. The NFL is about continuous evolution, and I’m eager to be part of that here in Miami.”
Bevell’s familiarity with both the passing game and running game gives the Dolphins a well-rounded coaching addition. His experience working with quarterbacks like Russell Wilson in Seattle and Matthew Stafford in Detroit has earned him the reputation of being a strong mentor to young signal-callers—something Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa will surely benefit from.
A Message to Dan Campbell: Reflecting on Growth and Leadership
In a separate statement following the announcement of his Miami hiring, Bevell also took a moment to reflect on his time in Detroit and sent a message to current Lions head coach Dan Campbell, a former colleague during their time together in Detroit.
“Dan and I go way back, and I have a great deal of respect for him as a leader and as a coach,” Bevell said. “Our time together in Detroit was challenging, but it was also filled with moments of growth. I’ll always cherish the work we did together and the people I met along the way. Dan’s passion for the game and his players is undeniable. He’s building something special in Detroit, and I have no doubt that he’s going to take the team to new heights.”
Bevell’s comments reflect the mutual respect between the two coaches, despite their different coaching paths. Campbell, a former NFL player with a gritty, tough-minded approach to coaching, has cultivated a unique atmosphere in Detroit, leading the Lions to a more competitive team in recent seasons.
While there is no direct indication that Bevell will return to coaching in Detroit, his words serve as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of coaching careers in the NFL. It also speaks to the interconnectedness of coaching relationships in the league, with many coaches supporting one another as they navigate the highs and lows of their careers.
What This Means for the Dolphins and the Lions
For the Dolphins, Bevell’s arrival signals a commitment to building a well-rounded and high-powered offense. With a promising young quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa and a rapidly improving offensive line, the Dolphins are hoping to contend in the AFC East. Bevell’s expertise in quarterback development and play-calling should help unlock Tagovailoa’s potential, further elevating Miami’s chances of success.
As for the Lions, the hiring of Bevell’s successor, Dan Campbell, has already paid dividends. Detroit’s culture has taken a positive turn, with the team becoming one of the more promising young squads in the NFC. While Bevell is no longer part of the fold, his legacy in Detroit is still a part of the team’s growth under Campbell.
The NFL is a league full of constant change, but in many ways, the relationships formed between coaches and players transcend any one moment in time. Bevell’s transition to the Dolphins, paired with his heartfelt message to Campbell, is a testament to the ongoing evolution of the coaching profession.