‘Highly regarded’ Dolphins OC Frank Smith named as candidate for coming HC cycle by NFL insider

Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith is “highly regarded” in league circles, according to a report by NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero revealed the tidbit while discussing potential candidates for head coaching jobs in the upcoming cycle.

“This list of young coaches — under age 45 with no previous NFL head coaching experience — is the longest we’ve published in six years of doing this, reflecting both a new crop of talent as well as the increased number of interviews many teams have been conducting in recent searches,” wrote Pelissero. “It’s based on dozens of recent conversations with NFL executives, coaches and others close to the search process.”

Smith was one of almost two dozen names that Pelissero mentioned for this coming cycle.

“Highly regarded in league circles, Smith is in his 13th season as an NFL coach, mostly working with tight ends and offensive line,” wrote Pelissero. “His close relationships with players and role in developing the likes of [Las Vegas] Raiders tight end Darren Waller and [Los Angeles] Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater speak to his strong personal skills. It’s no surprise he, along with head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel, have Miami utilizing all its weapons at a high level. Smith’s heavily involved in game planning and with an offensive line that keeps playing better and better.”

Smith has only been with the Dolphins for a few months, as the team hired him in February of this year. In his short time with the organization, he has helped bring Miami’s offense to life.

The Dolphins are averaging a whopping 391.5 yards per contest this season, which ranks third in the NFL. They’re also averaging 25.2 points per contest, which ranks seventh.

Smith certainly deserves a lot of credit for Miami’s success on the offensive side of the ball. Of course, a fair amount of credit also has to go to players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Tagovailoa has done a fantastic job of getting the ball to his playmakers this season, and as a result, the team has gone 7-1 in games the quarterback has started.

The 24-year-old leads the league in passer rating (118.4). Hill leads the league in receiving yards (1,148), and Waddle is on pace to easily surpass many of the numbers he posted in his rookie season.

The Dolphins are certainly hoping that Smith will stick around for a while, but there’s definitely a chance that teams with coaching vacancies look to steal him away.

Ironically, the Dolphins themselves are enjoying success this season as a result of stealing away a different team’s offensive coordinator. McDaniel was the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator before Miami swooped in.

For now, Miami’s players and coaches are focused on the same thing: making the playoffs this season.