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Dolphins’ Taylor says he’d like to return

AP defensive player of year will play ‘if (new coach will) have me’

Image: Taylor
Miami's Jason Taylor had 62 tackles, 13½ sacks, 14 quarterback hurries, two interceptions — both returned for TDs — 11 passes defensed, 10 fumbles forced and two fumbles recovered this season.
J. Pat Carter / AP file
updated 7:10 p.m. ET Jan. 7, 2007

MIAMI - Jason Taylor needed only a few days off to decide he wants to keep working.

The Miami Dolphins’ defensive end said Sunday he plans to return next season, regardless of whom the team hires as coach.

“If he’ll have me, I’ll be back in Miami,” Taylor said on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown. The Dolphins are searching for a successor to Nick Saban, who left last week for Alabama.

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As recently as Friday, when Taylor was chosen NFL defensive player of the year, he said he was considering retirement at age 32.

“The day Tom Brady outruns you, I’ll retire,” Taylor joked Sunday. “But that day’s not going to come quick.”

Taylor’s disclosure came a week after the Dolphins concluded a disappointing season. He was one of their few bright spots with 13½ sacks, 10 forced fumbles and two interceptions, both returned for scores.

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