While the Patriots requested permission, the Dolphins can only block assistants from interviewing for lateral positions. As a defensive coordinator appointment would be a promotion for Crow, Miami has no choice but to grant the request.

Mike Vrabel, early in his tenure as New England Patriots coach, could be looking to poach from the Miami Dolphins’ coaching staff and forming a reunion at the same time for his defensive coordinator hire.

Welker is a former Patriots legend who served in the role under Mike McDaniel for three seasons. He worked with an explosive receiving duo in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle during his time with the team. However, after another disappointing end to a season, the Dolphins thought it was best to move in a different direction.