When the Miami Dolphins lost against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18’s season finale, many thought they would strongly bounce back in the wild card game against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the team once again stumbled on the field brutally, and succumbed to a 19-point loss against the Chiefs.
After missing the Super Bowl LVIII race, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and the Dolphins mutually parted ways. Now, the Baltimore Ravens defensive mastermind Anthony Weaver will fill the void.
Dolphins sign Anthony Weaver
The Dolphins have finalized their coaching staff by appointing Anthony Weaver as the team’s new defensive coordinator. This announcement marks the conclusion of a rigorous 10-day search and transitional phase for the team.
Coach Mike McDaniel is entering his third year as the head coach, and Weaver is the third defensive coordinator in his time. The Dolphins are counting on Weaver’s experience and leadership to strengthen their defensive unit. The team’s HC expressed enthusiasm for the appointment in a brief statement.
“I am excited to add Anthony to our staff, not only for what he will bring to the Dolphins as a teacher and coach, but even more so who he is as a leader of men..He has a proven resume of success, built on his personal investment in his players. Most importantly, he shares our belief that player development is the cornerstone to both team building and sustained excellence. Through conversations with him and those who have worked with him, it became clear that we have aligned values in football philosophies and coaching”, McDaniel said.
The newly appointed DC arrived at the Dolphins after interviewing for head coaching positions with the Washington Commanders and the Atlanta Falcons. His move to the team marks the Ravens’ third defensive coach departure since the conclusion of the season.
Anthony Weaver brings a track record of success from his role as the Ravens’ run game coordinator. He oversaw a defense that allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL since 2021.
The veteran will now take charge of the Dolphins defense, which ranked 10th in yards allowed per game and seventh in rushing yards allowed in 2023. He steps into a unit featuring defensive stalwarts such as Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, and Bradley Chubb.
Looking back at Anthony Weaver’s NFL career
Anthony Weaver was a product of Notre Dame’s All-American program. He kicked off his NFL career after getting selected by the Ravens in the 2nd round as the 52nd overall pick of the 2002 NFL Draft. During his four seasons with the team, he appeared in 103 career games along with 98 starts.
The ex-NFL star later played for the Houston Texans (2006-08). He recorded 260 tackles (203 solo) along with 15.5 sacks in his seven-year career. The veteran also added three interceptions, five forced fumbles alongside five fumble recoveries throughout that span.
Before joining the Dolphins as a defensive coordinator, the former footballer spent three seasons with the Ravens from 2021 to 2023. In 2021, he was their run game coordinator/defensive line, and then he served as assistant head coach/defensive line in both 2022 and 2023.
Prior to his stint with the Ravens, Anthony Weaver served as the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans in 2020. His coaching journey includes roles as the defensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns (2014-2015) and Buffalo Bills (2013). He also served as the assistant defensive line coach for the New York Jets in 2012.
