DAVIE, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is officially on his third offensive coordinator in four years following Monday's firing of Bill Lazor. However, the promotion of new offensive coordinator Zac Taylor should provide immediate dividends for Miami's fourth-year quarterback.
According to Tannehill, he will have more input in the way the offense is run. Tannehill struggled under Lazor with his consistency and will have more freedom under Taylor, who was Tannehill's longtime quarterbacks coach at Miami and in college at Texas A&M.
"I'm just excited about being part of the game plan," Tannehill said. "Working with the coaches Monday and [Tuesday], just being a part of the game-plan process and having my thoughts heard and kind of putting our heads together to create some of the things we want to do, it's been fun so far."
Lazor was expected to bring a fast-paced, high-scoring scheme to Miami. But in two seasons, the offense struggled to consistently score points, convert on third down and Tannehill wasn't making enough progress.
Miami is ranked No. 27 in total offense and No. 27 in scoring at 20.5 points per game. The team also is converting just 27.7 percent on third down and 26.7 percent of fourth down.
Changes are expected with the coaching staff in January, but Taylor has five games to turn the offense around with Tannehill as the key under center.
"Well, it's an adjustment," Tannehill said. "So obviously there is some change. But I'm excited about the changes we're making and the possibility about what we can do."
Here are some other notes from Wednesday's practice:
Miami is hurting on the offensive line. Three starters did not practice: left tackle Branden Albert, right tackle Ja'Wuan James (toe) and center Mike Pouncey (foot). James is not expected to play and Pouncey will be day-to-day this week. Albert also got a "veteran day" of rest last week.
Interim head coach Dan Campbell opted to have the team practice outside in the rain. The Dolphins (4-7) will host the Baltimore Ravens (4-7) Sunday at Sun Life Stadium where weather could be an issue.