The Miami Dolphins have promoted defensive assistant Sean Ryan to the position of outside linebackers coach following the administrative leave of Ryan Crow, who faces serious legal charges. Crow was arrested on October 13, 2023, by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department on a charge of domestic battery. He has since been released from custody and is required to stay away from the alleged victim while undergoing a substance abuse evaluation.
During a press conference on Monday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel addressed Crow’s situation, underscoring the organization’s commitment to handling the matter with the utmost seriousness. “We’re going to let the process play out,” McDaniel stated. He emphasized the importance of team integrity, saying, “From the organization’s perspective, from the whole spectrum of guilty all the way to innocent, rule number one for our team is to protect the team.”
Sean Ryan, who joined the Dolphins as a defensive assistant last season, will temporarily take over Crow’s responsibilities. Notably, Ryan’s coaching experience has primarily been on the offensive side of the ball prior to this transition. In 2023, he served as an offensive assistant for the South Carolina Gamecocks and has previously held coaching positions with the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, and Houston Texans. His work with quarterbacks, including notable talents like Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold, adds a unique perspective to his new role.
Ryan’s record includes significant achievements, having been part of coaching staffs that led teams to victory in two Super Bowls. He spent nine seasons with the New York Giants, contributing to their triumphs in Super Bowl XLII (2007) and Super Bowl XLVI (2011). Throughout his tenure, Ryan has held various coaching positions that focused on quarterbacks and receivers, which will be crucial as he leads the outside linebackers for the Dolphins.
McDaniel expressed confidence in Ryan’s capabilities, noting, “You feel fortunate to have someone who has not only had a position room but led a position room for multiple years.” He highlighted the established relationship Ryan has with the players and mentioned that they were eager for the opportunity to be led by him.
Ryan will oversee a talented group of outside linebackers, including Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, and Chop Robinson. For Miami’s defense to make a significant impact this season, this cohort must excel in pressuring opposing offenses, relieving some of the strain on the team’s young secondary.
As the Dolphins navigate this transitional period, the focus will be on maintaining team morale and performance amid the challenges presented by Crow’s situation. The upcoming weeks will be critical for both Ryan’s leadership and the overall effectiveness of Miami’s defense.
