Dave Wannstedt Era

Lore & Background

Going into the 2000 season, the Dolphins named Dave Wannstedt as head coach. In his first season with the Dolphins, he led the team to an 11–5 record and an AFC East title. The team defeated the Indianapolis Colts 23–17 in overtime in the Wild Card Round before losing 27–0 to the Oakland Raiders in the Divisional Round. In the 2001 season, the team made the postseason with an 11–5 record and runner-up placement in the AFC East. The team lost to the Baltimore Ravens 20–3 in the Wild Card Round. In the 2002 season, the team failed to make the postseason despite a 9–7 record. In the 2003 season, the team went 10–6 but missed the postseason. Following a 1–8 start in the 2004 season, Wannstedt resigned. Jim Bates finished out the year with a 3–4 mark.

Reader's Guide

Wannstedt's tenure included two playoff appearances and one division title. His overall record with the Dolphins was 42–31 in the regular season and 1–2 in the playoffs.

Did You Know?

• Dave Wannstedt was head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2000 to 2004.
• The Dolphins' most recent playoff win before 2023 came in the 2000 season under Wannstedt.