Another Shula Could Be In Miami

The latest candidate to emerge for the Miami Dolphins' coaching job has a big edge in name recognition: He's a Shula.

Mike Shula interviewed for the job Saturday and is one of at least five candidates still under consideration, the Dolphins said Tuesday. Shula's dad, Don, coached the Dolphins for 26 years, holds the NFL record with 347 victories and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hiring the younger Shula would mean a swap of coaches with Alabama. He was fired by the Crimson Tide in November and replaced by Nick Saban, who left the Dolphins on Jan. 3 after two seasons.

Other remaining candidates to replace Saban: former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora, Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey, Dolphins defensive coordinator Dom Capers and San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron

Capers interviewed for the head coaching job, then agreed to a new three-year contract as defensive coordinator last week. His defensive unit ranked fourth in the NFL this season.

The Dolphins have met with at least 13 candidates, and that list could grow. There's speculation Miami will pursue Marty Schottenheimer if he's fired by the San Diego Chargers, who were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday.

Among those no longer under consideration is Schottenheimer's son, New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. The younger Schottenheimer, at 33 Miami's youngest candidate, withdrew from consideration Monday.

Shula went 26-23 in four years at Alabama, but 0-4 against Southeastern Conference rival Auburn.

The Crimson Tide fired him after they went 6-6 during the 2006 regular season. Shula said he left Alabama in better shape than the program he inherited, which was weakened by NCAA sanctions.


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