Miami Dolphins History

The Miami Dolphins are in their fifty-eighth season, playing their home games at Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, Florida since 1987. The Dolphins are led by head coach Mike McDaniel since 2022.

The Dolphins have won two Super Bowls in their history, most recently in 1973.

Table of Contents

Franchise Award Winners

In 1972, head coach Don Shula won Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 14-0-0 record.

During their careers, multiple players have won awards for the team: Dan Marino won the Most Valuable Player in 1984, the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 1984, and the Comeback Player of the Year in 1994; Earl Morrall won the Comeback Player of the Year in 1972; Chad Pennington won the Comeback Player of the Year in 2008; Larry Csonka won the Comeback Player of the Year in 1979; Jason Taylor won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2006; Tim Bowens won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1994; A.J. Duhe won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1977; Troy Stradford won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1987; Doug Betters won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1983; Dick Anderson won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1973.

Miami Dolphins by the Decades

1960s

The Miami Dolphins' inaugural season was 1966. During the decade, the Dolphins had a record of 15-39-2 during the regular season and not a single game in the playoffs. They played their home games at Miami Orange Bowl. They won zero division titles. The Dolphins ranked 4th in the Eastern division with a win percentage of 29%.

1970s

During the decade, the Dolphins had a record of 104-39-1 during the regular season and 8-5 in the playoffs. In fact, the one hundred and four wins represents the most wins in a decade for the Dolphins. They played their home games at Miami Orange Bowl. They won five division titles. The Dolphins ranked 1st in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 73%. They won two Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973.

1980s

During the decade, the Dolphins had a record of 94-57-1 during the regular season and 6-5 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Miami Orange Bowl (1980-1986) and Joe Robbie Stadium (1987-1989). They won four division titles. The Dolphins ranked 1st in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 62%. In 1987, the Dolphins moved from Miami, Florida to Miami Gardens, Florida.

1990s

During the decade, the Dolphins had a record of 95-65-0 during the regular season and 5-7 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Pro Player Stadium. They won two division titles. The Dolphins ranked 2nd in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 59%.

2000s

During the decade, the Dolphins had a record of 79-81-0 during the regular season and 1-3 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Land Shark Stadium. They won two division titles. The Dolphins ranked 4th in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 49%.

2010s

During the decade, the Dolphins had a record of 70-90-0 during the regular season and 0-1 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Hard Rock Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Dolphins ranked 3rd in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 44%.

2020s

During the decade, the Dolphins had a record of 39-28-0 during the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Hard Rock Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Dolphins ranked 2nd in the AFC East division with a win percentage of 58%.

Miami Dolphins Head Coaching History

Head Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Mike McDaniel 2022-2023 20-14-0 58.8% 0-2
Brian Flores 2019-2021 24-25-0 49.0% 0-0
Adam Gase 2016-2018 23-25-0 47.9% 0-1
Joe Philbin 2012-2015 24-28-0 46.2% 0-0
Dan Campbell 2015 5-7-0 41.7% 0-0
Tony Sparano 2008-2011 29-32-0 47.5% 0-1
Todd Bowles 2011 2-1-0 66.7% 0-0
Cam Cameron 2007 1-15-0 6.3% 0-0
Nick Saban 2005-2006 15-17-0 46.9% 0-0
Jim Bates 2004 4-12-0 25.0% 0-0
Dave Wannstedt 2000-2004 45-35-0 56.3% 1-2
Jimmy Johnson 1996-1999 36-28-0 56.3% 2-3
Don Shula 1970-1995 257-133-2 65.8% 17-14
George Wilson 1966-1969 15-39-2 28.6% 0-0

Franchise history

Franchise history guide

Seasons with a championship win Seasons with a conference championship

Franchise facts

  • Year Founded: 1966
  • Championships won: 1972 and 1973
  • Stadium History: Miami Orange Bowl (1966-1986), Joe Robbie Stadium (1987-1995), Pro Player Stadium (1996-2004), Dolphins Stadium (2005-2006), Dolphin Stadium (2007-2008), Land Shark Stadium (2009), Sun Life Stadium (2010-2016), Hard Rock Stadium (2017-Present)
  • Most Valuable Player: Dan Marino: 1984
  • Coach of the Year: Don Shula: 1972
  • 3rd-most wins in the NFL since the NFL/AFL merger in 1970.
  • 2nd-most wins in the NFL from 1970-1979 (104).
  • 3rd-most wins in the NFL from 1980-1989 (94).
  • Don Shula: Highest Win % in franchise history (65.8%)
  • Don Shula: Most playoff wins in franchise history (17)