Dolphins fire D-coordinator Kevin Coyle, name Lou Anarumo replacement

The Miami Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle on Thursday after four seasons with the team and promoted defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo to take his place.

He was immediately asked how he would fix the defense.

"I found out about an hour ago that I got this job," said Anarumo, who has been with the team since 2012. "It's a little bit early to say."

Coyle entered this year on thin ice after Miami's defense collapsed in the second half of last season. Despite the addition of Pro Bowl defensive tackleNdamukong Suh, the Dolphins' defense continued to flounder in the first fourgames, which marked the end for Coyle.

"Every one of those guys up front has demonstrated in their career that they can be productive players," Anarumo said. "That's going to be our charge as coaches -- to get that out of them going forward."

Miami's defense is ranked 30th in the NFL in total yards allowed and 32nd in run defense. The Dolphins have allowed 160.5 rushing yards per game, a major factor in Miami's 1-3 start.

The Dolphins announced Thursday that Jeff Burris was promoted to assistant defensive backs coach and will work with the team's cornerbacks.Assistant defensive backs coach Blue Adams will continue to work with the team's safeties.

Coyle is the second coach to lose his job in Miami this week. The Dolphins also fired head coach Joe Philbin on Monday after he posted a 24-28 record in four seasons.

New Dolphins interim head coach Dan Campbell met with the media Wednesday and said he needed more time to make a decision on his defensive staff. Campbell made that decision Thursday. He said he and Anarumo are on the same page.

"Lou and I see eye to eye about what we need to do defensively moving forward," Campbell said. "It's a move that is going to help us win games."

Anarumo was still taking in the news.

"I've been working toward this," Anarumo said. "As an assistant coach, you're always looking to advance. You set goals for yourself, and this is certainly one of them."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.