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The Miami Dolphins have granted former interim head coach Dan Campbell his release, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. Campbell interviewed for the team's head coaching job, but the Dolphins instead elected to hire Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
Campbell was Miami's No. 2 choice following an impressive interview, according to the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero, but the Dolphins were concerned about handing the team over to a man who had never been more than a tight ends coach.
On Saturday, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross spoke to the media about the Gase hiring and was asked whether Campbell is welcom to remain with the organization.
"I mean, that's really up to Adam [Gase]," Ross said, via the Dolphins' website. "I mean, I love Dan Campbell. He's done a great job. I'd love to see him in the organization but Adam has really the free hand to hire his assistants. And the question is, he'll probably meet with Dan, and he can tell you that, but I don't think any conclusion [has been made]. But I think, the way we feel about Dan, as an organization, is fantastic."
But Campbell, who according to Salguero was "a combination of angry and bitterly disappointed" about getting passed over, wanted to pursue opportunities elsewhere. He needed the franchise to grant his release because he was under contract.
Campbell took over after Joe Philbin was fired following a Week 4 loss to the New York Jets that dropped the Dolphins to 1-3.
The decision to let Philbin go was made prior to a bye week, which gave Campbell time to adjust to his new role. The Dolphins dominated the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans in their next two games and Campbell drew positive reviews for being a "players' coach."
Miami, however, dropped four of its next five games. Campbell won just five of his 12 games and the Dolphins finished the season 6-10.
Campbell joined the Dolphins as a coaching intern in 2010 and was promoted to tight ends coach in 2011. He served in that role until he was named the interim head coach after Philbin's ousting.