Dolphins assistant coach arrested in Florida on domestic battery accusation

Rafael Olmeda and David Furones, South Florida Sun-Sentinel on Aug 29, 2025

Published in Football

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow slapped his live-in girlfriend in a domestic violence incident that left her looking “terrified” and sounding as if she were “whimpering,” according to a Fort Lauderdale police report.

Crow and his girlfriend each spoke to Fort Lauderdale police early Friday morning explaining what led to their confrontation, but the girlfriend did not provide a sworn statement.

“My client has no prior criminal record,” said Crow’s lawyer, Michael Gottlieb. “This was an unfortunate incident, fueled by alcohol, that resulted in the allegation of a shove. I am confident the charge will be dismissed.”

According to the report, the dispute between Crow and his girlfriend began Thursday night at a “work party” where she felt neglected by other team employees and their wives. Crow, 37, is married and separated, according to the report. He moved in with his girlfriend recently near downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Crow’s girlfriend told police he shoved her while the two were in an argument about his relationship with his estranged wife. When they got home, according to two witnesses, the physical confrontation continued.

One witness said he saw Crow slap the victim and lift her off the ground, looking as though he intended to “perform a takedown,” though he did not follow through. The woman “looked terrified,” according to the report.

A second witness followed the couple to their apartment and listened from outside, where he told police he heard a “slap,” a “thud” and the sound of a woman “whimpering.”

Crow was taken into custody and charged with one count of domestic violence battery. He’s due in court Saturday morning.

Crow joined the Dolphins’ coaching staff in 2024 after spending the previous six years as an assistant coach with the Tennessee Titans.

The team released a statement Friday morning. “We are aware of the serious matter involving Ryan Crow and currently gathering more information. Ryan has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. We have been in communication with the NFL and will reserve further comment at this time.”

It’s not yet known which Dolphins assistant coach will fill the void while Crow is on administrative leave. The team is off this weekend and reunites at its facilities Monday in preparation for the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 7.

Crow was on the rise after his first season in Miami, interviewing for defensive coordinator openings with the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys, jobs which ultimately went to other candidates.

Crow spent seven years as a coach on the college level and seven in the NFL.

Crow coaches perhaps the most talented and deepest position group on the Dolphins, a group that’s regarded as one of the best in the NFL. The outside linebackers, or edge rushers, are led by Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson and newly-acquired Matthew Judon.

Crow is credited with developing Robinson, the Dolphins’ 2024 first-round pick who had 6.0 sacks last season, into one of the league’s most promising pass rushers.