Philbin praised the Dolphins as a team with a "strong nucleus to build around," and the "passion" of the fans, players and management. Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross stated that Philbin has all of the attributes that he was looking for in a head coach. Philbin guided the team to a 24–28 record during his time as the Dolphins head coach, unable to lead it to a winning record or make the playoffs.
Philbin commended the Dolphins as a team with a "robust core to center around," and the "enthusiasm" of the fans, players, and management. Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross declared that Philbin possessed all the qualities he was seeking in a head coach. Philbin led the team to a 24–28 record during his tenure as the Dolphins' head coach, failing to secure a winning record or make the playoffs.