The Miami Dolphins have officially announced the recruitment of Bush Hamdan, previously associated with Mississippi State, to assume the role of their quarterbacks coach. This significant coaching change occurs during a period of considerable ambiguity for the team, particularly concerning the long-term status of their current starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. The organization's leadership has conveyed an intent to introduce heightened competition within the quarterback group, irrespective of Tagovailoa's ultimate position on the roster.
Hamdan's appointment follows a brief tenure at Mississippi State, where he had recently taken on responsibilities as the associate head coach and wide receivers coach in December. His extensive career spans 17 years, primarily within collegiate football, with notable stints including serving as the quarterbacks coach for Missouri from 2020 to 2022 and holding the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach positions at his alma mater, Boise State, in 2023. He also transitioned to Kentucky as an Offensive Coordinator in 2024.
His professional experience extends to the NFL, where he spent a year as the quarterbacks coach for the Atlanta Falcons in 2017. During that season, under Hamdan's guidance, quarterback Matt Ryan recorded impressive statistics, accumulating 4,095 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. This background highlights his capability to work with high-caliber athletes and manage complex offensive schemes at both collegiate and professional levels.
The search for a new quarterbacks coach was not without its challenges for the Dolphins. Reports indicate that Hamdan was not the initial candidate for the role. The team had previously considered Nathaniel Hackett, a former Broncos head coach and Packers offensive assistant, who ultimately accepted an offensive coordinator position with the Arizona Cardinals. Furthermore, an attempt to interview Bruce Gradkowski, an offensive assistant for the Detroit Lions, was reportedly blocked by the Lions organization.
Upon joining the Dolphins, Hamdan will inherit a quarterback situation marked by considerable flux. The general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, addressed the media and fans, revealing that a decision regarding Tua Tagovailoa's future is imminent. Sullivan emphasized the team's commitment to exploring other quarterback options in the upcoming draft and fostering a competitive environment within the quarterback unit. Currently, Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round selection from the previous year's draft, is the only other quarterback under contract with Miami.
The team's general manager has articulated a clear vision for the future, underscoring the necessity of creating a robust and competitive atmosphere within the quarterback room. Regardless of the outcome of Tagovailoa's situation, the Dolphins are resolved to enhance the depth and talent at this critical position, ensuring that the team is well-equipped for future success. This strategic approach signals a proactive stance by the Dolphins' management to fortify their roster and maximize performance.
The Miami Dolphins are making a strategic move to reinforce their coaching staff with the recruitment of Bush Hamdan as the new quarterbacks coach. This decision comes at a pivotal moment as the team deliberates on the future of Tua Tagovailoa, its starting quarterback. The organization is committed to fostering competition within the quarterback ranks, with Hamdan bringing a wealth of experience from both collegiate and professional football. His appointment is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team's offensive strategy and quarterback development in the upcoming season.
