The Miami Dolphins, an iconic team in the National Football League (NFL), were established in 1965 as part of the American Football League (AFL) expansion. The team, which became a part of the NFL after the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, has a storied history marked by periods of both triumph and tribulation. Here is a comprehensive look at the history of the Miami Dolphins.
Establishment and Early Years (1965-1969)
- 1965: The Miami Dolphins were founded by attorney Joe Robbie and actor Danny Thomas. They were awarded an AFL franchise, marking the return of professional football to Miami after the demise of the Miami Seahawks in the All-America Football Conference.
- 1966: The Dolphins played their first season under head coach George Wilson. Despite a rocky start, they gained a loyal fan base.
- 1969: After three seasons of struggle, Don Shula, a highly successful coach from the Baltimore Colts, was hired to lead the team.
The Shula Era and the Perfect Season (1970-1979)
- 1970: The AFL-NFL merger placed the Dolphins in the AFC East. Shula’s leadership immediately improved the team’s performance, leading them to a 10-4 record and their first playoff appearance.
- 1971: The Dolphins reached their first Super Bowl (Super Bowl VI) but lost to the Dallas Cowboys.
- 1972: The Dolphins achieved the only perfect season in NFL history, winning all 14 regular-season games, two playoff games, and Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins.
- 1973: The Dolphins repeated as Super Bowl champions, defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII.
- 1974-1979: The team remained competitive, frequently making the playoffs, but did not win another Super Bowl. Key players from the perfect season, like Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, and Paul Warfield, were crucial during this period.
The Marino Years (1980-1999)
- 1980: Don Shula transitioned the team, and in 1983, the Dolphins drafted quarterback Dan Marino, who would become one of the greatest passers in NFL history.
- 1984: Marino set numerous records, including 48 touchdown passes in a season, leading the Dolphins to Super Bowl XIX, where they lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
- 1985-1999: Despite Marino’s prolific passing and multiple playoff appearances, the Dolphins struggled to win another Super Bowl. The team reached the AFC Championship Game in 1985 and 1992 but fell short both times.
- 1999: Shula retired, ending a 26-year tenure as head coach, the longest in NFL history at the time.
Post-Shula Era and Transition (2000-2009)
- 2000-2006: The Dolphins saw several head coaches, including Jimmy Johnson, Dave Wannstedt, and Nick Saban. The team experienced mixed success, making the playoffs sporadically.
- 2007: The Dolphins suffered a dismal 1-15 season, prompting significant organizational changes.
- 2008: Under new head coach Tony Sparano and executive Bill Parcells, the Dolphins rebounded to an 11-5 record, winning the AFC East for the first time since 2000, but lost in the first playoff game.
Recent History (2010-Present)
- 2010-2018: The team continued to face challenges, with several coaching changes and inconsistent performances. Coaches during this period included Tony Sparano, Joe Philbin, and Adam Gase. The Dolphins made the playoffs in 2016 but were eliminated in the Wild Card round.
- 2019: Brian Flores was hired as head coach, initiating a rebuilding phase focused on long-term success. The Dolphins showed promise, with a significant improvement in the 2020 season, finishing with a 10-6 record but missing the playoffs.
- 2021-Present: The team continues to develop under Flores, with notable players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle contributing to the team’s competitive performance.
Trophies and Achievements
- Super Bowl Championships:
- Super Bowl VII (1972 season)
- Super Bowl VIII (1973 season)
- AFC Championships:
- 1971, 1972, 1973, 1982, 1984
- AFC East Division Titles:
- 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2008
The Miami Dolphins’ history is marked by remarkable achievements and periods of rebuilding. Their legacy includes the unmatched perfect season of 1972, a testament to their resilience and excellence in the NFL. As the team continues to evolve, the passion of Dolphins fans and the pursuit of another championship remain unwavering.