Keeping Wannstedt was a winning move for Miami.(NFL)(Dave Wannstedt, Miami Dolphins)

It doesn't rank up there with Joe Gibbs on the shock-o-meter, but it did come as a pleasant surprise when the Dolphins signed Dave Wannstedt to a contract extension through 2006.

Before the season, I was certain Wannstedt would have to make a deep playoff run to keep his job. He was under enormous pressure. The Dolphins fell short, yet he lived to coach another day. What gives?

First, you can't argue the fact that he's a winner. Miami went 10-6 in 2003, and this was one of those rare seasons when 10 wins wasn't good enough to make the playoffs. Wannstedt has 41 wins in his four seasons as the Dolphins' head coach, a number surpassed in that span by only Andy Reid, Jeff Fisher, Mike Martz and Mike Sherman. There are plenty of coaches who have won fewer games and aren't even close to being on the hot seat.

The Dolphins undoubtedly also realized it wouldn't be easy to upgrade their coaching if they let Wannstedt go. You don't want a situation such as the one in San Francisco, where they fired Steve Mariucci with the idea of taking a step forward but actually took two steps back.

Part of Wannstedt's problem has been perception. The Dolphins keep getting picked to win Super Bowls, so when the team doesn't make it, he gets blamed. But the fact is, the talent hasn't been worthy of those predictions. The Dolphins are far from dominant offensively, and their lustrous defensive reputation is somewhat exaggerated. Miami probably won about as many games as it should have.

What Wannstedt needs most is a passing game. When Ricky Williams arrived, the notion was that all the Dolphins had to do was run the ball and play good defense and they'd win. Sorry, but that's not how it works. You must be able to throw and catch the ball, and Miami's quarterback play has been inconsistent and its receiving unit mediocre. It's no surprise the Dolphins have had trouble winning big games.

Miami still needs upgrades, starting at quarterback. Mark Brunell? Kurt Warner? Perhaps. I'm just grateful Wannstedt will get another shot to show how good of a coach he is. But don't be misled by that contract extension. His backside will stay plenty toasty.