Dolphins players unhappy with Mike McDaniel's defensive coordinator pick?

The Dolphins brought in one of the sharpest offensive minds in football when they hired Mike McDaniel as their new head coach earlier this month, a move widely applauded around the league. But now, as McDaniel assembles his staff, his pick to lead the defense is drawing criticism — even from within the team itself.

Members of the Miami defense are reportedly upset with McDaniel's decision to retain Josh Boyer as defensive coordinator, according to Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel. Kelly reported the information on his "X's & Omar" show on YouTube.

"I can tell you this is a fact: players on defense are not very pleased with Josh Boyer being named defensive coordinator," Kelly said. "We will see what happens here. Because they know that Boyer's scheme, concepts, approach did not lead to success last year. So it will be interesting to see how this plays out."

Boyer's return to the Dolphins' staff was announced last week. He's been with Miami since 2019, when he started as defensive passing-game coordinator and cornerbacks coach, and served as defensive coordinator in 2020 and 2021.

As Kelly reports, though, the defensive improvements made by the Dolphins last season came after former head coach Brian Flores took over playcalling duties midway through the year. Flores was fired at the conclusion of the season despite leading them to an 8-1 finish to the season.

Miami ended 2021 15th in the NFL in total yards allowed (5,738) and 16th in points allowed (373). The former came as an improvement on 2020's 20th-place finish (5,886 yards allowed) under Boyer, but the Dolphins dropped from sixth in points allowed after yielding just 338 in 2020.

McDaniels is retaining a number of previous Dolphins assistants, namely on the defensive side of the ball. Linebackers coach Anthony Campanile and defensive line coach Austin Clark are among several coaches reported to be staying in Miami.