James Atama
The Dolphins have terminated their contracts with special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and wide receivers coach Wes Welker, according to an official team announcement.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed his thoughts on the 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. 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 joined the Dolphins in 2019 under then-head coach Brian Flores and added the title of assistant head coach when McDaniel took over in 2021. The team has consistently ranked among the bottom four in special teams performance in the past three years, according to Pro Football Focus.
Welker, a former All-Pro receiver with the Patriots, previously served as the receivers coach for the 49ers in 2019 before following McDaniel to Miami in 2021. The Dolphins’ passing attack ranked in the top five during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which included first-team All-Pro selections for Tyreek Hill, but dropped to 15th place this year.
Hill voiced his frustrations with the team following the regular season finale, although the Dolphins do not intend to part ways with their star wide receiver. The timing of Welker’s dismissal may lead to speculation about a connection to Hill’s remarks, even though the duo seemed to have a solid relationship during their appearances on Hard Knocks in the 2023 season.
Given Welker’s achievements with the Dolphins, he is likely to attract interest from other organizations for coaching positions. He could also consider a reunion with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick at the University of North Carolina. Crossman, on the other hand, may need to take on an assistant role before he gets another chance as a coordinator.
