Miami Dolphins fire coach Joe Philbin four games into his fourth season

Joe Philbin has been fired four games into his fourth season as coach of the Miami Dolphins, and one day after a flop on an international stage sealed his fate.

Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, centre, shouts out during the NFL football game between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins and at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

The Associated Press

Oct 05, 2015

MIAMI // Joe Philbin has been fired four games into his fourth season as coach of the Miami Dolphins, and one day after a flop on an international stage sealed his fate.

The firing came Monday after the Dolphins (1-3) lost their third game in a row and turned in their fourth consecutive lackluster performance. They were beaten Sunday in London by the archrival New York Jets, 27-14.

Midseason head coaching changes are unusual in the NFL, but few will accuse owner Stephen Ross of impatience. He ignored calls to fire Philbin in December after the Dolphins faded to finish 8-8 for a second successive season.

But doubts only grew regarding Philbin’s inability to motivate players with his bland demeanor.