"Based on his experience working with Joe Philbin, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy knew it would be only a matter of time before he parted with his good friend.

On Friday evening, the Miami Dolphins announced that Philbin, the Packers' offensive coordinator, had been hired to be their head coach. Philbin was a finalist along with Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Dolphins defensive coordinator Todd Bowles but stood tall above the others.

"We are thrilled to have Joe Philbin join the Miami Dolphins as our head coach," owner Stephen Ross said in a statement released by the Dolphins. "Joe has all the attributes that we were looking for when we started this process. (General manager) Jeff Ireland and I felt Joe was the right choice to bring the Dolphins back to the success we enjoyed in the past."

All along, reports said Philbin, 50, interviewed very well and impressed Ross in their initial meeting Jan. 7. Philbin had a second interview Wednesday in New York and Ross apparently made his decision earlier Friday.

"I want to thank Steve Ross and Jeff Ireland for giving me the opportunity to become the head coach of one of the premier franchises in professional sports," Philbin said in the release announcing his hiring. "I also want to thank the Green Bay Packers for all the support the organization has given me during my time there.

"The Dolphins have a strong nucleus to build around, and working with everyone in the organization, I know that together we will return the team to its winning tradition.""