There has been a lot of talk that changes could be coming this offseason after the Dolphins’ 27-24 loss to the Colts.

One of the most significant changes that will be needed is on the defensive side of the ball. The NFL has made it extremely difficult for defenses to be what they used to, but there is no reason for the Dolphins’ defense to be this bad.

That falls squarely on Matt Burke, the second-year defensive coordinator. If the Dolphins want to be successful on that side of the ball, they may want to fire Burke and find a more experienced coordinator.

There are quite a few quality options:

Teryl Austin

Ignore the bad season the Bengals had with him as the defensive coordinator, as his resume should speak for itself. Austin has been on multiple super bowl teams with the Seahawks (2006), Cardinals (2009), and the Ravens in (2012). All three times he was a secondary coach. He took the Lions from 16th overall defense to second overall defense in his first season back in 2014.

Austin also has experience working with Miami defensive coaches Kris Kocurek and Tony Oden. Hiring Austin would leave some continuity, but also give the defense a much more experienced coach with success.

Greg Williams

If Williams does not get the head coaching job of the Cleveland Browns, expect him to be a hot name as a defensive coordinator. Williams runs a tough brand of football, and he would not require a personnel change, as the longtime coordinator typically operates with 4-3 personnel.

There is a connection with Williams and the Dolphins through Adam Gase’s father-in-law, Joe Vitt. Vitt was the linebacker coach of the Saints when Greg Williams was the defensive coordinator. It is a possibility that connection could work out.

Mike Pettine

Currently, Pettine is the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. He is known as a quality defensive-minded coach. The Dolphins know that all too well, with his defenses giving the Dolphins fits. No, the former Rex Ryan disciple cannot be hired away from the Packers, but their staff could see changes occur this year.

Hypothetically speaking, Pettine could be a hot candidate for a defensive coordinator job and comes with head coaching experience. He offers plenty of experience to give Gase help on the defensive side of the ball.

Vance Joseph

Yes, he is the head coach of the Broncos, but things have not gone very well for him so far. There have been murmurs that he may be out as the head coach this year if the Broncos miss the playoffs. If that happens, there is a chance he could end up back on the Dolphins staff.

It is likely that they hire him as a passing game coordinator, much like Dallas did with Kris Richard. The defense may have been bad in 2016 under him, but it was good in critical situations, with far less talent. There is no reason to believe this defense would be good if he never left.

Jack Del Rio

This is yet another coach Gase could add to his staff that he has worked with in the past. Del Rio is currently out of the league but could come back in the right situation. He has been inconsistent as a defensive coordinator, but his vast experience and past with Gase make him a realistic candidate for the defensive coordinator position.

These are just a few names that come up, but the important part is to find an experienced coordinator. Gase’s job is likely on the line entering next season, and he would be wise to get himself an experienced defensive coordinator so he can focus on fixing his offense.

Buckle up Dolphin fans, there could be a bumpy road ahead.