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Dolphins fire Joe Philbin after disappointing 1-3 start

Steve Mitchell / USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins have fired head coach Joe Philbin, opting for a change in leadership on the heels of a 1-3 start to the 2015 season.

Owner Stephen Ross released a statement Monday, describing the "tough decision" to part ways with Philbin after three-plus years:

This was a tough decision for me to make knowing how tirelessly Joe worked in his four years here to make this a winning team. He is a man of the highest character and integrity that I developed a close personal relationship with. I am extremely disappointed with how we have started the season, but I feel confident that we can improve quickly with the talent we have on our roster.

The team then announced that tight ends coach Dan Campbell was promoted to interim head coach.

Campbell, a former tight end who put together an 11-year NFL career, has been with the Dolphins since he joined them as a coaching intern in 2010.

With the Dolphins' issues seemingly extending beyond their head coach, ownership appears to be further changes to the staff. Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle is also expected to be relieved of his duties, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Unable to take advantage of the talented group - particularly defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, their high-priced offseason addition - Coyle's unit ranks 30th in total defense.

Coming off a highly productive offseason, in which the club bolstered its roster with star-caliber talent on both sides of the ball, Miami was expected to establish itself as a playoff contender in the AFC East.

The club did the exact opposite in Philbin's fourth year at the helm, as four consecutive uninspiring performances in the opening month seemingly made it a matter of time before management looked to clean house.

Philbin's time with the Dolphins comes to an end after an underwhelming 24-28 regular-season record and no playoff appearances.

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