Dolphins defensive coordinator search: 5 things to know about Kris Richard

For the second time in four years, the Dolphins are showing an interest in Kris Richard.

Richard, co-defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, is a candidate to become Miami’s defensive coordinator. In 2019, he was considered for Miami’s head-coaching job, which went to Brian Flores.

Here are five things to know about Richard, 44:

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Richard had an impact on Byron Jones, which had impact on Dolphins

One of Richard’s first moves when he joined the Cowboys’ staff was moving Byron Jones to cornerback.

That might come as a surprise to Dolphins fans, who have known Jones as nothing but a corner since he signed his big free-agent contract with Miami in 2020. But after drafting Jones in the first round in 2015, the Cowboys used him at safety until Richard came along. In their first year together, 2018, Jones ended up being chosen for the Pro Bowl as a corner.

“I think Kris Richard is going to be the guy that’s going to get me right,” Jones told Pro Football Weekly before that season.

Jones also told ESPN, “When he talks to you and you listen to his words, you understand this guy is going to be destined for greatness.”

Résumé includes Super Bowl win, ‘Legion of Boom’

Richard spent eight seasons on the staff of the Seahawks starting in 2010 and was promoted to defensive coordinator for the final three years there. Notable accomplishments included helping safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman earn All-Pro honors and a victory in the 2014 Super Bowl over Denver, all during the famed “Legion of Boom” days.

Richard helped Seattle’s defense finish in the top five for five straight years starting in 2012. Seattle also was the fourth team in NFL history to lead the league in fewest points and yards allowed in two consecutive seasons.

Richard became secondary coach in New Orleans in 2021, then was named co-defensive coordinator in 2022. The Saints ranked second in pass defense this season at 184.4 yards per game.

Prior to entering coaching, Richard was a cornerback at USC under Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. In 2001, he had a 58-yard pick-six against Arizona that helped turn around the Trojans’ season — a play Carroll never forgot.

Richard and the legend of boom in Miami

Richard was drafted by Seattle in the third round (85th overall) in 2002. He spent three seasons with the Seahawks as a defensive back, appearing in 38 games, starting one, and recording 54 tackles, one sack, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and no interceptions.

In early August of 2005, he was traded to the Dolphins for defensive end Ronald Flemons. But a month later, he was released by coach Nick Saban and ended up with San Francisco, where he appeared in just one game.

The noteworthy part?

The day Richard became a Dolphin, lightning struck near the team’s practice facility. The team’s video coordinator, on a 60-foot lift, tumbled to the platform floor but was not hurt.

Turning up the heat in practice

When it’s time for the Dolphins to practice, receivers coach Wes Welker gets in gear, flipping his cap around backward, stretching and warming up as if he’s still a player.

Richard has been known to wear cleats to practice, run with players and celebrate big plays with the kind of gusto you’d expect if he’d made the play himself. The Dallas Morning News once described Richard’s charisma as “intoxicating.”

Byron Jones once said of Richard: “He brings the juice every single day. There's not a day he's relaxed.”

Richard: ‘I know what I am’

When Mike McCarthy became Cowboys coach in 2020, he chose not to retain Richard, so Richard sat out the season.

“I wasn’t willing to take anything less than I am,” he told USA Today. “I know what I am and I know what I am capable of.”

But for the 2021 season, he agreed to become the Saints’ secondary coach, which led to being named co-defensive coordinator along with line coach Ryan Nielsen for this season. This despite head coach Dennis Allen retaining play-calling duties for the defense.

It sounds a bit like the three-headed offensive setup that went nowhere with the Dolphins last season, but it wasn’t. The Saints finished sixth in total defense and ninth in fewest points allowed.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins defensive coordinator search: 5 things to know on Kris Richard