Dolphins nearing decision on new coach

The Miami Dolphins hope to complete their two-week search for a coach by Saturday, and the front-runner appears to be San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

The former Indiana coach kept his hotel room near the Dolphins' complex Thursday night after a second day of interviewing with team officials. A Dolphins spokesman said management was still weighing the candidates.

"I can tell you with 100 percent certainty that no decision will be made today," Dolphins senior vice president Harvey Greene said Thursday evening. "We hope to finish the process by tomorrow or Saturday at the latest."

Cameron first interviewed with the Dolphins shortly after coach Nick Saban left for Alabama on Jan. 3. Cameron became available when San Diego was eliminated from the playoffs Sunday by New England.

Other candidates still in the mix to replace Saban include Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey, Dolphins defensive coordinator Dom Capers, former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora and former Alabama coach Mike Shula, the son of ex-Dolphins coach Don Shula.

Cameron was coach at his alma mater, Indiana, from 1997-2001 and has directed a high-powered attack the past five years as San Diego's offensive coordinator. The Dolphins might opt for a coach with an offensive background because a sputtering offense is a major reason they've failed to make the playoffs the past five seasons.

The Dolphins interviewed at least 13 candidates in their most extensive coaching search since the franchise's first season in 1966. They hope to make a decision before next week's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., where teams scout college prospects and assemble coaching staffs.

The 55-year-old Gailey was Miami's offensive coordinator from 2000-01 before leaving to become the head coach at Georgia Tech. He is 37-27 with Tech and has taken the team to five straight bowls.

Gailey also was 18-16 in two playoff seasons as the Dallas Cowboys' coach from 1998-99. He interviewed for the Pittsburgh Steelers' opening but was not one of three finalists to replace Bill Cowher.

Gailey just completed the first season of a five-year, $5 million contract extension at Georgia Tech that runs through 2010. He and Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich were awaiting a decision by the Dolphins before commenting on the situation.

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AP Sports Writer Charles Odum in Atlanta contributed to this report.