1981 Miami Dolphins schedule

Season statistics

Offense Defense
Record Playoff record Total yards Pass yards Rush yards Turnovers First downs Total yards Pass yards Rush yards Turnovers First downs
11-4-1 0-1 5794 3543 2251 34 331 5927 3746 2181 37 330
Scroll the table for more season statistics.

The Miami Dolphins' sixteenth season was in 1981, and it was the twelfth season Don Shula served as the head coach of the team. The Dolphins played their home games at Miami Orange Bowl. They finished the year 11-4-1 in the regular season but they lost their first playoff game to the San Diego Chargers 41-38.

Games

Week Opponent Score Notes
Week 1 @ St. Louis Cardinals 20-7
Week 2 Pittsburgh Steelers 30-10
Week 3 @ Houston Oilers 16-10
Week 4 @ Baltimore Colts 31-28
Week 5 New York Jets 28-28
Week 6 @ Buffalo Bills 21-31
Week 7 Washington Redskins 13-10
Week 8 @ Dallas Cowboys 27-28
Week 9 Baltimore Colts 27-10
Week 10 @ New England Patriots 30-27
Week 11 Oakland Raiders 17-33
Week 12 @ New York Jets 15-16
Week 13 Philadelphia Eagles 13-10
Week 14 New England Patriots 24-14
Week 15 @ Kansas City Chiefs 17-7
Week 16 Buffalo Bills 16-6

Playoffs

Week Opponent Score Notes
Divisional Round San Diego Chargers 38-41

1981 Miami Dolphins Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Don Shula Assistant Head Coach-Defense: Bill Arnsparger Running Defense Coordinator: Mike Scarry Offensive Run Game Coordinator: John Sandusky Quarterbacks Coach: Wally English Wide Receivers Coach: Wally English Offensive Line Coach: John Sandusky Offensive Backs Coach: Carl Taseff Defensive Line Coach: Mike Scarry Linebackers Coach: Steve Crosby Defensive Backs Coach: Tom Keane Special Teams Coach: Steve Crosby, Carl Taseff Punting Coach: Tom Keane