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 praised the Dolphins as a team with a "strong nucleus to build around," and the "passion" of their fans, players, and management. Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross stated that Philbin had all the qualities he was looking for in a head coach. During his time as the Dolphins' head coach, Philbin achieved a 24–28 record but did not secure a winning season or make the playoffs.