DAVIE, Fla. -- New Miami Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell held his first practice with the team on Wednesday.
Campbell vowed to "change the culture" in Miami and said it starts on the practice field. Despite not going full pads, Wednesday’s sessions had more intensity and plenty of contact during the 30-minute portion that was open to the media. It was the highest energy level I’ve seen from the Dolphins in practice since the start of the regular season, which is needed.
Miami’s new coach brought the team to the middle of the field during practice to do the "Oklahoma drill." Players lined up for full-contact one-on-ones with the attempt to stop the ball carrier. Players around the drill were vocal and the energy was intense.
New #Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell brings his team to the middle of the field for contact one-on-ones. pic.twitter.com/rspbHuOvUt
— James Walker (@JamesWalkerNFL) October 7, 2015
Campbell also had players go through contact in position drills, such as receivers against defensive backs and offensive linemen against defensive linemen. That led to some tense portions of practice.
The Dolphins looked mostly listless this season, and Campbell believes upping the intensity in practice translates on the field. Miami has lost three straight games.
Here are some other notes on the Dolphins Wednesday:
There are some tweaks on Miami’s coaching staff, but no major changes. The team named Ben Johnson the new tight end’s coach to replace the promoted Campbell. Ken O’Keefe and Al Saunders are now senior offensive assistants, and Mike Wahle will serve as assistant tight ends coach.
One of the big adjustments for Campbell is going from coaching one group to all 53 players. Campbell made sure to walk over and communicate with various groups such as the running backs, offensive line and defense.
Several players did not practice Wednesday during the portion open to the media. Among them were cornerback Brent Grimes, defensive end Cameron Wake and defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell.