The Dolphins have parted ways with special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and wide receivers coach Wes Welker, per a team announcement. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel released a statement on his staff changes.
“I am grateful for Danny’s contributions and dedication to the Dolphins over the course of many seasons, as well as the numerous ways he helped me as a head coach,” McDaniel said. “I also want to thank Wes for his investment here. This was not a decision I came to lightly, but as I have evaluated the season and areas where we must improve, I believe that change is needed and am motivated to do what is best for the team as we move forward.”
Crossman arrived in Miami with then-head coach Brian Flores in 2019 and added assistant head coach to his title when Mike McDaniel replaced Flores in 2021. The Dolphins have finished in the bottom four teams in special teams grade in the last three years, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Welker, a former All-Pro receiver with the Patriots, was the 49ers receivers coach in 2019 and followed McDaniel to Miami in 2021. The Dolphins’ passing offense was a top-five unit in 2022 and 2023, which both featured first-team All-Pro nods for Tyreek Hill, but dropped to 15th this year.
Hill openly expressed frustrations with the team after their regular season finale, though the Dolphins have no plans to move on from their star wideout. The timing of Welker’s firing will raise speculation about a connection with Hill’s comments, but the two appeared to have a strong relationship during Miami’s stretch on Hard Knocks during the 2023 season.
Welker’s success with the Dolphins should draw him coaching interest from another team. He could even pursue a reunion with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick at the University of North Carolina. Crossman, meanwhile, may have to take an assistant position before earning another shot as a coordinator.