ANDRES LEIVA/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Miami Dolphins on Thursday parted ways with defensive coordinator Josh Boyer and three other defensive assistants.

Boyer, 45, has been with the Dolphins for the past four seasons, the last three as defensive coordinator, promoted by former head coach Brian Flores in 2020.

"I am grateful for Josh's contributions this year and throughout his tenure with the Dolphins," Miami coach Mike McDaniel said in a statement. "The defense made strides through the season, so coming to this decision was not easy, but ultimately I feel it is in the best long-term interests of the Miami Dolphins and the continued growth of our players and team."

The Dolphins also fired safeties coach Steve Gregory, outside linebackers coach Ty McKenzie and assistant linebackers coach Steve Ferentz.

McDaniel, who just completed his first season as head coach, inherited most of the defensive staff from Flores' short tenure as head coach.

The Dolphins finished 18th in total defense (337.8 yards per game), 24th in scoring defense (23.5) and 27th in passing defense (234.8 ypg).

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