Eric Studesville and George Godsey Named Co-Offensive Coordinators

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Since the departure of Chan Gailey, the Miami Dolphins have been searching for a new offensive coordinator. The Dolphins finally found their guy, well actually guys. Miami named Eric Studesville and George Godsey as co-offensive coordinators. Studesville and Godsey were early potential candidates for the position. Studesville was previously Miami’s running back coach, while Godsey was the quarterbacks coach for a certain part of the season.

On January 30th, 2021, Godsey and Studesville coached in the Reeses Senior Bowl. Each coach called a half as the offensive coordinator. At that time, neither coach had been offered the position with the Dolphins. Perhaps the Dolphins were using the Senior Bowl to “test the waters” and see how these coaches would perform. The Dolphins must have liked what they saw because they gave both coaches the job.

Dolphins Are in Familiar Waters

Having two people calling plays is not a first for the Dolphins. However, this is the first time there are two offensive coordinators. Most recently, former head coach Adam Gase was calling plays despite having an offensive coordinator. From 1989-1991, the Dolphins did not have an offensive coordinator. Instead, they had John Sandusky, who was in charge of the running game, and Gary Stevens, who handled the passing game. Charlie Baggett was Miami’s assistant head coach, wide receivers coach and was involved in calling plays in 2005 and 2006. During that time, the Dolphins also had Scott Linehan and Mike Mularkey as “offensive coordinators.” Having two offensive coordinators might not be the norm, but the Dolphins have a history of making it work.

George Godsey and Eric Studesville both have experience with the players. Godsey did a lot of work, working with Tua Tagovailoa when Robby Brown, the Dolphins QB coach, missed some time because of COVID-19 issues. The Dolphins replaced Brown this season when they hired Charlie Frye. Frye has a history with Tua. After Tua’s high school season, Frye worked with him in the Elite 11 tournament. The Dolphins are trying to build a future around Tagovailoa. To achieve this, Miami needs to create an offense, and coaching staff, where Tua can thrive. Paired with the connection Godsey made with Tua and Charlie Frye’s familiarity with Tua, there should be a smooth transition. 

Eric is a “Stud” for the Dolphins

Eric Studesville is one of the few assistants Brian Flores kept when he took over as head coach. Flores has spoken very highly of Studesville and thinks he is an incredible asset to the organization. When asked about Studesville, Flores replied “I think he’s a great coach. I think he’s got a coordinator and head-coaching future. I think the players gravitate to him. They listen. He’s a very, very good coach.” Brian Flores knows great when he sees great. Flores started his career with the New England Patriots as a scout. Love em’ or hate em’, the Patriots have a history of greatness. If Brian Flores sees something in Studesville, then you got to believe in him.

2020 Went Swimmingly for the Fins

The 2020 season has been anything but “normal.” With COVID affecting everything, having a football season provided a distraction. The Miami Dolphins made the best of the worst. Last year Miami went 5-11 with a two-game win streak. In 2020, the Dolphins went 10-6. 

George Godsey worked as Miami’s tight end coach in 2020. Under Godsey, the Miami Dolphins tight ends caught 91 passes for 1,061 receiving yards and 11 combined touchdowns. Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe, and Adam Shaheen tied the Dolphins TE touchdown record, and their 91 catches and 1061 yards were a franchise-best. If 2020 was a sign of things to come, and Godsey and Studesville can unite their skills, the Miami Dolphins could have a very bright future. 

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