Dolphins promote Matt Burke to defensive coordinator

The Miami Dolphins are opting for an in-house candidate to replace Vance Joseph at defensive coordinator.

Linebackers coach Matt Burke was officially promoted to the lead spot on that side of the ball mere hours after the Denver Broncos introduced Joseph as their next head coach.

Burke joined the Dolphins last offseason as part of Adam Gase's new staff after two years coaching the Cincinnati Bengals linebackers. Previous stops included a five-year run in the same role with the Detroit Lions, and five seasons as an assistant on the Tennessee Titans coaching staff.

In his first opportunity as a defensive coordinator, Burke will be tasked with improving a Dolphins defense that finished the 2016 campaign ranked 29th in yards allowed and 18th in scoring.