1996 Miami Dolphins season
1996 Miami Dolphins season |
|
Head coach |
Jimmy Johnson |
Home field |
|
|
Results |
Record |
8–8 |
Division Place |
4th AFC East |
Playoff finish |
did not qualify |
Timeline |
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Previous season |
Next season |
1995 |
1997 |
The 1996 Miami Dolphins season was the team's 31st as a member of the National Football League. The Dolphins failed to improve upon their previous season's output of 9–7, winning only eight games.[1] The team failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.
Offseason
Following the 1995 season head coach Don Shula announced his retirement from coaching, having spent 26 straight seasons with the Dolphins. Jimmy Johnson, quit Dallas after winning Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII, was hired as only the third head coach in Dolphins history.
Season summary
Johnson and the Dolphins endured a rough season, winning their first three games before losing two straight. On October 27 the Dolphins hosted the Cowboys with both teams 4–3 in one of the most anticipated games of the regular season; the Cowboys rallied and won handily 29–10, and Cowboys coach Barry Switzer declared that no Dolphins player (even quarterback Dan Marino) could start on his Cowboys squad. The Dolphins won twice in the next two weeks but then lost three straight, ending any playoff hopes despite winning their final two games and finishing 8–8.
NFL Draft
Round |
Pick |
Player |
Position |
School |
1 |
|
|
|
|
5 |
154 |
Zach Thomas |
Linebacker |
Texas Tech |
[2]
Schedule
Week |
Date |
Opponent |
Result |
Attendance |
1 |
September 1, 1996 |
New England Patriots |
W 24–10 |
71,542
|
2 |
September 8, 1996 |
at Arizona Cardinals |
W 38–10 |
55,444
|
3 |
September 15, 1996 |
New York Jets |
W 36–27 |
68,137
|
4 |
September 23, 1996 |
at Indianapolis Colts |
L 10–6 |
60,891
|
5 |
Bye |
6 |
October 6, 1996 |
Seattle Seahawks |
L 22–15 |
59,539
|
7 |
October 13, 1996 |
at Buffalo Bills |
W 21–7 |
79,642
|
8 |
October 20, 1996 |
at Philadelphia Eagles |
L 35–28 |
66,240
|
9 |
October 27, 1996 |
Dallas Cowboys |
L 29–10 |
75,283
|
10 |
November 3, 1996 |
at New England Patriots |
L 42–23 |
58,942
|
11 |
November 10, 1996 |
Indianapolis Colts |
W 37–13 |
66,623
|
12 |
November 17, 1996 |
at Houston Oilers |
W 23–20 |
47,358
|
13 |
November 25, 1996 |
Pittsburgh Steelers |
L 24–17 |
73,489
|
14 |
December 1, 1996 |
at Oakland Raiders |
L 17–7 |
60,591
|
15 |
December 8, 1996 |
New York Giants |
L 17–7 |
63,889
|
16 |
December 16, 1996 |
Buffalo Bills |
W 16–14 |
67,016
|
17 |
December 22, 1996 |
at New York Jets |
W 31–28 |
49,933
|
[3]
Standings
References
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The Franchise |
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Stadiums |
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Culture |
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Lore |
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Head Coaches |
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Starting Quarterbacks |
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Division Championships (13) |
1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2008
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Super Bowl Appearances (5) |
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League Championships (2) |
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Retired Numbers |
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Seasons |
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Current League Affiliations |
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Rivalries |
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