History of Miami Dolphins in Timeline
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in the Miami metropolitan area, competing in the NFL as part of the AFC East. They play their home games at Hard Rock Stadium and are owned by Stephen M. Ross. The Dolphins hold the distinction of being the oldest professional sports team in Florida. Notably, they were not a charter member of the AFL, differentiating them from other AFC East teams. Along with the Atlanta Falcons, the Dolphins were pioneers of professional football in the southeastern United States.
1946: Miami Seahawks in AAFC
In 1946, the Miami Seahawks played in the All-America Football Conference before becoming the Baltimore Colts.
1966: Debut with Lighter Orange Color
At their debut in 1966, the Miami Dolphins used a lighter & brighter orange color instead of the deep coral color for their logo and uniforms.
1966: Dolphins Training Camp
During the summer of 1966, the Miami Dolphins' training camp was held in St. Pete Beach with practices in August at Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport.
1966: Joe Robbie's Ownership of the Miami Dolphins
In 1966, Joe Robbie became the original founder and owner of the Miami Dolphins.
1967: Dolphin Centered on Sunburst
In the 1967 season, the dolphin was centered on the sunburst in the Miami Dolphins' logo.
1968: Dolphin Reverted to Original Placement
Between 1968 and 1973, the dolphin in the Miami Dolphins' logo reverted to its original placement, off-center on the sunburst.
1970: Dolphins Join the NFL
As a result of the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Miami Dolphins joined the NFL.
1970: Training at Biscayne College
From 1970, the Miami Dolphins trained in Miami Gardens at Biscayne College, later renamed St. Thomas University.
1970: Emergence as a Dominant Team
Starting in 1970, the Shula-led Dolphins emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.
1972: "1972 Perfect Season Team 17–0" Inductee added to Hard Rock Stadium
At the 40 year anniversary, former defensive coordinator Bill Arnsparger was enshrined into the Honor Roll, his name went on the Honor Roll where the "1972 Undefeated Team" inductee previously and originally was enshrined, and an updated "1972 Perfect Season Team 17–0" inductee was put into one corner of Hard Rock Stadium with special placards of Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII included next to it on each side.
1972: Team Recorded Undefeated Season
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins became the first team in NFL history to record an undefeated season, going 17–0 en route to victory over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. The fight song would soon serve as a good luck charm for the Dolphins that season.
1972: Perfect Season and Super Bowl Win
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins completed the first perfect season in NFL history with a 14-0 regular-season record and won the Super Bowl.
1972: Games Against Kansas City Chiefs
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins played a pair of notable games against the Kansas City Chiefs, defeating them in "The Longest Game" at Municipal Stadium, and then in the first regular season game at Arrowhead Stadium.
1972: Dolphins Undefeated Season
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins went 14-0, the only team since the NFL-AFL merger to win the Super Bowl after posting an undefeated regular-season record.
1972: Primary Uniforms for Road and Daytime Home Games
Starting with the 1972 perfect season, the Miami Dolphins' white jerseys with aqua block numbers and names were used as the primary uniforms for road games and daytime home games.
1973: Dolphin Reverted to Original Placement
Between 1968 and 1973, the dolphin in the Miami Dolphins' logo reverted to its original placement, off-center on the sunburst.
1974: Dolphin Body Centered on Sunburst
By 1974, the dolphin's body was centered on the sunburst in a slightly smaller logo than the 1967 version for the Miami Dolphins.
1976: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Founding
In 1976, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were founded, marking the beginning of a mellow in-state rivalry with the Miami Dolphins.
1978: Debut as Dolphins Starbrites
In 1978, the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders had their debut as the Dolphins Starbrites, with the name referencing the co-sponsor, Starbrite Car Polish.
1982: AFC Championship
In 1982, the Miami Dolphins played the New York Jets in the AFC Championship, with Miami winning to face the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVII.
1983: Dan Marino's Era Begins
In 1983, quarterback Dan Marino began his career, becoming one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.
1986: Move to Joe Robbie Stadium
After the 1986 season, the Miami Dolphins moved from the Orange Bowl to the new Joe Robbie Stadium.
1989: Joe Robbie's Final Season as Owner
1989 was Joe Robbie's final season as the owner of the Miami Dolphins.
1990: June Taylor's Retirement
In 1990, June Taylor, the founding choreographer of the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, retired after leading the squad since its debut.
1992: "1972 Undefeated Team" Enshrined
In 1992, at the 20-year anniversary, Miami's "1972 Undefeated Team" was enshrined into the Honor Roll.
1996: Jimmy Johnson Hired
Prior to the 1996 season, Jimmy Johnson was hired to replace Shula as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. In his first season, the team finished with an 8-8 record and missed the postseason.
June 4, 1997: Mascot Name Announced
On June 4, 1997, the winning entry for the Miami Dolphins mascot's name was announced at the annual Dolphins Awards Banquet.
1997: Logo Update
In 1997, the Miami Dolphins updated their logo, simplifying the sunburst and darkening the dolphin with a more serious expression. The uniforms remained the same, but used a different block number font and added navy drop shadows.
1998: Playoff Appearance and Divisional Round Loss
In the 1998 season, the Miami Dolphins went 10-6 and made the postseason, defeating the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round before falling to the Denver Broncos 38-3 in the Divisional Round.
1999: Marino's Retirement
After the 1999 season, Dan Marino, a prolific quarterback, retired from the NFL. During his career, he led the Dolphins to five division titles, 10 playoff appearances, and an appearance in Super Bowl XIX.
1999: AFC Divisional Round Loss to Jaguars
In 1999, the Miami Dolphins played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round, which was the final career game for Dolphins' quarterback Dan Marino. The Jaguars defeated the Dolphins 62–7.
1999: Successful Era Ends
In 1999, the Shula-led Dolphins era ended, having been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.
1999: Playoff Appearance and Divisional Round Loss
In the 1999 season, the Miami Dolphins went 9-7 and made the postseason. The team defeated the Buffalo Bills 24-17 in the Wild Card Round before falling 62-7 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in what would be quarterback Dan Marino's final game.
2000: Wannstedt Hired, AFC East Title, Divisional Round Loss
Going into the 2000 season, Dave Wannstedt was named head coach of the Miami Dolphins. He led the team to an 11-5 record and an AFC East title. The team defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card Round before losing to the Oakland Raiders in the Divisional Round.
2000: Final Season Cheering on Miami Dolphins
In 2000, Denny Sym's final season cheering on the Miami Dolphins as a one-man sideline show, leading Miami crowds in cheers and chants in his glittering coral (orange) and aqua hat.
2000: Playoff Appearance and Division Title
In 2000, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance and won a division title.
2001: Playoff Appearance
In 2001, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance.
2001: Playoff Appearance and Wild Card Loss
In the 2001 season, the Miami Dolphins made the postseason with an 11-5 record and runner-up placement in the AFC East, losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
2002: Colts Reassigned to AFC South
In 2002, as a result of the NFL divisional realignment, the Indianapolis Colts were reassigned into the AFC South, which cooled down their rivalry with the Miami Dolphins.
2002: Season Without Postseason
In the 2002 season, the Miami Dolphins failed to make the postseason despite a 9-7 record.
2003: Orange Jersey Debut
In 2003, the Miami Dolphins first used an orange jersey for a primetime game on a Sunday night against Washington, which they won.
2003: Season Without Postseason
In the 2003 season, the Miami Dolphins went 10-6 but missed the postseason.
2004: Wannstedt Resigns
Following a 1-8 start in the 2004 season, Dolphins head coach Dave Wannstedt resigned. Jim Bates finished out the year with a 3-4 mark.
2004: Dolphins Upset Patriots
In 2004, the Dolphins, at 2-11, upset the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots 28-29, handing them the second of their 2 losses that season.
2005: Nick Saban's First Season
In 2005, Nick Saban coached his first season with the Dolphins, leading the team to a 9-7 record and missing the playoffs.
2005: Saban Hired, Brees Almost Signed
In 2005, the rivalry between the Dolphins and Patriots briefly intensified when Nick Saban, Bill Belichick's former Browns defensive coordinator, was hired as the Dolphins' new head coach and when Saban nearly signed quarterback Drew Brees.
2006: Saban's Second Season
In 2006, Nick Saban coached his second season with the Dolphins, leading the team to a 6-10 record and missing the playoffs. Saban resigned following the season.
2006: Added Domed Field to Training Facility
In 2006, the Miami Dolphins added a domed field to their training facility, allowing them to practice during thunderstorms.
March 18, 2007: Denny Sym Died
On March 18, 2007, Denny Sym, who cheered on the Miami Dolphins for 33 years, passed away at the age of 72.
2007: Patriots Undefeated Season
In 2007, the New England Patriots went 16-0, one of two franchises to have posted undefeated regular-season records since the NFL-AFL merger.
2007: Cameron Hired and Worst Season
Prior to the 2007 season, the Dolphins hired Cam Cameron as head coach. The team suffered a franchise-worst 1-15 season in 2007, leading to Cameron's firing after the season.
2008: Battle for AFC East Title
In 2008, the Dolphins and Patriots battled for the AFC East division title.
2008: Playoff Appearance and Division Title
In 2008, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance and won a division title.
2008: Sparano Hired, AFC East Title, Wild Card Loss
Prior to the 2008 season, Tony Sparano was named head coach of the Miami Dolphins, leading the team to an 11-5 record and an AFC East title. The team's season ended with a 27-9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
August 7, 2009: New Fight Song Revealed
On August 7, 2009, the Miami Dolphins revealed a new fight song by T-Pain and Jimmy Buffett featuring Pitbull, which was introduced for the 2009 NFL season.
August 17, 2009: New Fight Song Played
On August 17, 2009, the new Miami Dolphins fight song was played during the preseason home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, receiving a negative reception.
August 22, 2009: Fight Song Pulled From Game
On August 22, 2009, the new Miami Dolphins fight song was not played during the second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers after being booed heavily in the first game.
2009: Switch to Black Shoes
In 2009, the Miami Dolphins switched to black shoes for the first time since the early 1970s.
2009: Orange Jerseys Used Again
In 2009, the Miami Dolphins used the orange jerseys again for a Monday night win against the New York Jets.
2009: Regression to 7-9 Record
The 2009 season saw the Dolphins regress, finishing with a 7-9 record.
April 2010: Started First Volunteer Program in NFL
In April 2010, the Miami Dolphins started the first Volunteer Program in the NFL, called Special Teams, to mobilize community services with the Dolphins staff, players, and alumni.
August 2010: Team Launches Regional TV Network
In August 2010, the Miami Dolphins launched their own regional TV network to broadcast preseason games and in-season content. The Dolphins Television Network comprised 10 South Florida TV stations. Preseason games were broadcast on television through CBS-owned WFOR-TV in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, WTVX in West Palm Beach, WBBH-TV in Fort Myers, and WRDQ in Orlando. Dick Stockton provided play-by-play commentary, with Bob Griese and Nat Moore providing color commentary.
2010: First Loss in Orange Jerseys
In 2010, the Miami Dolphins had their first loss in the orange jerseys in a Sunday night matchup with the New York Jets, and the original style orange jerseys were not worn again.
2010: Regression to 7-9 Record
The 2010 season saw the Dolphins regress, finishing with a 7-9 record.
2010: Dolphins Wore An Orange Uniform Since 2010
The Miami Dolphins debuted their new Color Rush uniform in a Thursday Night Football game on September 29, 2016 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The all-orange uniform marked the first time since 2010 that the Dolphins wore an orange uniform.
2011: Sparano Fired
After a 4-9 start to the 2011 season, Tony Sparano was fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Todd Bowles finished the 6-10 season as interim coach.
2011: Return to White Shoes
By 2011, the Miami Dolphins returned to wearing white shoes.
2011: Griese replaces Mandich on Radio Broadcast Team
In 2011, Bob Griese replaced Jim Mandich as color commentator for regular-season games on the radio broadcast team, after Mandich's death. The radio broadcast team also features Jimmy Cefalo and Joe Rose.
2011: Joe Robbie Alumni Plaza Walk of Fame Established
In 2011, the Joe Robbie Alumni Plaza Walk of Fame was first established to recognize the best of the Miami Dolphins alumni, including those in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Honor Roll, and the many other players who were among the unsung heroes and community leaders that the organization has produced.
2012: Uniforms Remained Fairly Consistent
From the Miami Dolphins team's founding through 2012, the logo and uniforms remained fairly consistent.
2012: Joe Philbin Hired
Prior to the 2012 season, the Miami Dolphins hired Joe Philbin as head coach. In his first season, the team finished with a 7-9 record.
2013: Missed Postseason
In 2013, the Miami Dolphins improved to an 8-8 record but still missed the postseason.
2014: Another 8-8 Season
In the 2014 season, the Miami Dolphins added Bill Lazor as offensive coordinator and finished with another 8-8 record.
2015: Philbin Fired
After a 1-3 start to the 2015 season, Joe Philbin was fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Dan Campbell was named as interim coach and finished the year with a 5-7 mark.
2015: Aqua Uniforms Brought Back
In 2015, the Miami Dolphins brought back their 1970s aqua uniforms for a few select games.
2015: 50 Greatest Players Announced
In 2015, the Miami Dolphins organization announced the 50 greatest players in Miami Dolphins franchise history, as voted by the South Florida Media and Miami Dolphin fans, to commemorate the team's 50th NFL season. The results were announced during halftime on Monday Night Football between the Dolphins and the Giants.
2015: First Season in Renovated Hard Rock Stadium
The 2015 season marked the first season in the newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium, following a major overhaul that cost over $400 million.
August 2016: Stadium Renamed Hard Rock Stadium
In August 2016, the stadium where the Miami Dolphins play was renamed Hard Rock Stadium.
September 29, 2016: Color Rush Uniform Debut
On September 29, 2016, the Miami Dolphins debuted their new Color Rush uniform, an all-orange uniform, in a Thursday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals but retired the set soon after.
2016: Playoff Appearance
In 2016, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance.
2017: Regression to 6-10
In the 2017 season, the Miami Dolphins regressed to a 6-10 record.
2018: Aqua Throwbacks Worn During Miracle in Miami
In 2018, the Miami Dolphins aqua throwback uniforms were worn during the now-famous "Miracle in Miami" play against the Patriots.
2018: Modifications to Logo and Uniforms
In 2018, the Miami Dolphins made slight modifications to their logo and uniform set, tweaking the shades of orange and aqua and removing navy blue from the color scheme, leaving it only on the logo.
2019: Patriots Division Title Streak Ends
In 2019, the New England Patriots' dominance of the AFC East ended, having won 16 of 17 division titles between 2003 and 2019.
2019: Brian Flores Hired
Prior to the 2019 season, the Miami Dolphins hired Brian Flores as head coach. He led the team to a 5-11 record in the 2019 season.
2020: Draft Tua Tagovailoa, Improve to 10-6
In the 2020 season, the Miami Dolphins drafted Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the first round of the NFL draft and improved to a 10-6 record but still missed the postseason.
2020: Tagovailoa Drafted, Rivalry Intensifies
In the 2020s, the rivalry between the Dolphins and Bills intensified again, with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, drafted in 2020, leading a resurgent Dolphins team against the Josh Allen-led Bills.
2021: Jaguars Upset Victory vs. Dolphins in London
In 2021, the Jacksonville Jaguars, under controversial head coach Urban Meyer, achieved an upset victory against the Miami Dolphins in London during week 6 of the season.
2021: Opened Baptist Health Training Complex
In 2021, the Miami Dolphins opened a new, $135 million training facility called the Baptist Health Training Complex, located next to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
2021: 9-8 Season, Flores Fired
In the 2021 season, the Miami Dolphins went 9-8 but missed the postseason. Following the end of the 2021 season, Brian Flores was fired as head coach.
2022: Dolphins Win Over Bills
In 2022, Tua Tagovailoa led the Miami Dolphins to their first win over the Buffalo Bills in 8 games.
2022: Playoff Appearance
In 2022, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance.
2022: McDaniel Hired, Playoff Loss
Prior to the 2022 season, Mike McDaniel was hired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. In his first season, he led the Dolphins to a 9-8 record and a 34-31 loss to the Bills in the Wild Card Round.
2023: Radio Coverage on WINZ and WBGG-FM
As of the 2023 season, Miami Dolphins' radio coverage is carried on WINZ (940 AM) and WBGG-FM (105.9 FM). Additionally, games can also be heard in Spanish on WNMA (1210 AM), with Raúl Striker Jr. and Joaquin Duro providing play-by-play and color commentary, respectively.
2023: Chiefs Lead All-Time Series
As of the 2023 season, the Kansas City Chiefs lead the all-time series against the Miami Dolphins with a record of 17–16.
2023: Playoff Appearance
In 2023, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance.
2023: Another Playoff Loss
In the 2023 season, the Miami Dolphins improved to an 11-6 mark, but the season again ended in the Wild Card Round with a 26-7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
December 2024: Dolphins Sell Stake to Private Equity
In December 2024, the Miami Dolphins, led by owner Stephen M. Ross, became one of the first NFL teams to sell a portion of the team to outside private equity investors. 13% of the Dolphins franchise was sold at a valuation of $8.1 billion, including 10% to Ares Management.
2024: Dolphins Lead All-Time Series Against Colts
As of 2024, the Miami Dolphins lead the all-time series against the Indianapolis Colts with a record of 48–29.
2024: Dolphins Lead All-Time Series
As of the 2024 season, the Dolphins lead the all-time series against the New England Patriots 64-55.
2024: Missed Playoffs
In 2024, the Miami Dolphins finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in Mike McDaniel's head coaching tenure.
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