After the resignation of 69-year-old offensive coordinator Chan Gailey, the Miami Dolphins surprised many by promoting from within. GM Chris Grier continued his streak of unpredictable decisions by opting to use co-offensive coordinators: Eric Studesville and George Godsey. Both have served as assistant coaches in the organization for multiple years.
George Godsey
Co-offensive coordinator George Godsey served as the team’s tight-end coach, but also spent a great amount of time with the quarterbacks. Head coach Brian Flores explained that Godsey and then-rookie quarterback Tua Tagoavaila formed a respectable bond last season. Godsey proved his versatility by filling in for quarterbacks coach Robby Brown who missed two weeks due to COVID-19 protocols. Godsey previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans in the 2015-2016 season, helping lead them to the playoffs.
Eric Studesville
Studesville has been a member of the Dolphins coaching staff for nearly four years. The Wisconsin native was originally a member of Adam Gase’s coaching staff, but was retained by Brian Flores. Studesville served as an associate head coach and running backs coach for the Denver Broncos for seven years, earning a Super Bowl ring in 2016. After the departure of Josh McDaniels, Studesville became the interim head coach of the Denver Broncos. Studesville surprised many by electing to start rookie Tim Tebow for the last three games of the season.
The two coordinators hold 40 combined years of NFL coaching experience. Despite their abundance of experience, they seem to emphasize the importance of maintaining an open mind when running an offense. Studesville explained that he never views a playbook as a finished product, rather an open document. With a young offense and an inexperienced quarterback, it is a positive sign that Studesville is expressing flexibility. The Miami Dolphins offense appears to be in good hands heading into the 2021 season.