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Dolphins: what's new

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 1, 2000

IT DIDN'T WORK HERE, BUT . . . Don Shula gave Dave Wannstedt his first NFL job, as the Dolphins' linebackers coach in 1989. Then Wannstedt left to join the Cowboys as defensive coordinator, where he worked with Don's son David. Then the circle was completed. Wannstedt, coach of the Dolphins, hired Mike Shula, another of Don's sons, as quarterbacks coach. He had been the Bucs' offensive coordinator, and a lightning rod for those who complained that the Tampa Bay offense was vanilla, predictable and boring. He was fired while in Honolulu with the Bucs staff preparing the NFC team for the Pro Bowl. "Getting fired, there is usually never a good time for that, but those things happen," Shula said. "You have to be able to move on with your life, learn from your experience and use it as future reference, take the good from it and make sure you don't repeat the bad." Actually, getting fired when he was turned out to be a very good time for Shula since Wannstedt was eager to assemble his staff.

PICK ONE: In their 35-year history, the Dolphins have had to make few tough decisions regarding starting quarterbacks, which is why the competition between Jay Fiedler and Damon Huard made for a fascinating plot line in training camp. "Sometimes it comes down to a gut feeling," coach Dave Wannstedt told The Miami Herald. "You're looking for the guy that has a way to put the ball in the end zone. It might not be the guy who has the strongest arm. Some guys just know how to move the chains."

OTHER NEW FACES: With James Brown gone, Brent Smith is penciled in at right tackle, but rookie Todd Wade, at 6 feet 7 and 350 pounds (or more), is a strong candidate to grab the job. With newcomer veterans Thurman Thomas, Bert Emanuel and Leslie Shepherd, Chan Gailey's offense figures to have more wrinkles. Wannstedt cut veteran safety Calvin Jackson Brian Walker is the starting strong safety; fifth-round draft pick Arturo Freeman, at free safety, had ann impressive camp.

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