Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says Joe Philbin will return

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said after Sunday's game that head coach Joe Philbin will return next season.

The Miami Dolphins will miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season, but owner Stephen Ross said after Sunday's win over the Minnesota Vikings that head coach Joe Philbin will return in 2015.

The Dolphins needed a blocked punt for a safety with 41 seconds remaining to beat the Vikings on Sunday. Afterward, Ross gave a surprisingly strong endorsement of Philbin, who has went 23-24 in three seasons as the Dolphins' coach.

Steve Ross says Philbin is coming back

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonFL) December 21, 2014

Ross to reporters: "Here's a Christmas present. You don't have to ask me anymore. He has one year left on contract and is coming back"

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonFL) December 21, 2014

Ross meets with Philbin in the locker room after announcing that he will be back next season pic.twitter.com/wcMrgFs1uQ

— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonFL) December 21, 2014

Back in early November, the Dolphins were 5-3, winners of three straight after a 37-0 win over the San Diego Chargers. The streak elevated hopes of the team's first playoff berth since going 11-5 in 2008, but the Dolphins proceeded to lose four of their next seven.

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Should Miami defeat the New York Jets next weekend, it will at least finish with nine wins for the first time since that 2008 season.

- Mike Fiammetta