BY SEAN DONOVAN
The Miami Dolphins' search for a replacement offensive coordinator took an odd turn on Wednesday.
Either way, they got their guy.
One day after reporting that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach Bill Lazor would be named the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, ESPN now reports that he'll instead take the same position in Miami.
The hire was confirmed by multiple reports, which in this case, seems extra appropriate.
Lazor's background matches up with the Dolphins' current West Coast offensive principles, but it's his creative and innovative mindset that's made him a well-respected mind in NFL coaching circles. That stands in contrast with the departed Mike Sherman, whose archaic offensive concepts became stale with his players and Dolphins fans alike.
As quarterbacks coach, Lazor's biggest accomplishment was helping develop Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, who led the league in passer rating in 2013. The offense utilized his strengths, limited his mistakes and helped Philadelphia get remarkable efficiency from the position.
The hope in Miami will be that Lazor can similarly help Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill reach his ceiling, after seeing his progress stall late last season.
Before spending last year under coaching sensation Chip Kelly in Philadelphia, Lazor was the offensive coordinator at the University of Virginia. He had prior NFL experience as quarterbacks coach and offensive assistant for the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons.
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