The Dolphins denied the Rams permission to interview offensive line coach Chris Foerster for their offensive coordinator vacancy, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (via Twitter). As our own Zach Links previously pointed out, teams are not required to allow position coaches to interview for coordinator gigs. Therefore, even though Foerster would be eyeing a clear promotion, the Dolphins still exercised their right.
The long-time coach spent the 2016 season serving as Miami’s offensive line coach. The unit actually showed plenty of improvement under Foerster. The Dolphins offensive line allowed 45 sacks (the eighth-highest total in the league) during the 2015 campaign, but that improved to only 30 sacks (10th-lowest total in the league) this past season. Furthermore, Miami’s running game also had a bounce-back season. After having compiled 1,496 rushing yards in 2015, the Dolphins rushed for 1,824 yards in 2016.
Prior to his tenure in Miami, Foerster served as the offensive line coach for the 49ers, Redskins, Ravens, and Buccaneers. Foerster actually worked alongside Sean McVay when the duo was in Washington, as the Rams new head coach served as the Redskins’ tight ends coach and offensive coordinator during Foerster’s tenure with the organization.
Foerster also has experience as an offensive coordinator, serving in that role with the Dolphins back in 2004. Miami finished 4-12 that season and only managed 275 points on offense.
So what does this mean really? Could they still hire him?
No, he’s under contract with the dolphins, meaning they would have to give permission for him to terminate it.
it would require a change of heart from the dolphins. i think it’s more likely that the Rams just move on
couldn’t he give his “two weeks notice” and just join the Rams later? He’s allowed to quit. although if the rams guaranteed him the job it might be considered tampering.
i assume his contract prevents him from doing that. the retire/’join another team’ route is probably spelled out in the contract, as well.
i don’t have any definitive knowledge of that, though. just my guess
that makes sense, it would definitely be a problem otherwise. thanks for the response and great article!
While they are not required to grant permission, most teams will do so unless they are concerned about losing their own coordinator (I think the Eagles did that with their WR coach in case Reich left to be the HC in Buffalo). Denying seems like a dick move. Gase must be paranoid in his young age!!
We just lost our defensive coordinator. Why would we let another coach walk away if we don’t need to? He can sign elsewhere when his contract is up.
Exactly
Good! we have enough things to figure out roster wise. We don’t need teams picking apart our coaching staff and making Gase start all over in that respect.