MIAMI GARDENS — If the Dolphins’ former defensive coordinator was the 65-year-old grandfatherly type who kept players at arm’s length, the new defensive coordinator is a 43-year-old former defensive end at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel introduced Anthony Weaver to the South Florida media Thursday afternoon, unsurprisingly saying who Weaver is as a person served as a launching pad for this new partnership. Weaver then took the podium.

“Good afternoon, everybody, how we doing?” Weaver said with a smile.

The Vic Fangio era, if anyone hadn’t noticed, was over.

With McDaniel’s offense capable of scoring in bunches, Dolphins fans will want to know what Weaver will do to make sure his unit upholds its end. Weaver, who arrives off the highly respected defensive staff of the Baltimore Ravens, promises the Dolphins will have a multiple approach that can adapt to various situations. He said he will not blitz helter-skelter but will move All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey around to get the most out of his unique skills. Weaver plans to do all this from the sideline, not the booth where Fangio preferred to watch, for one reason.

“I need to feel what’s going on in the game,” he said. “Feel how the players are reacting to the situation and hopefully be a positive influence in whatever reaction that is. I don’t think you can have that same effect from up in the booth.”

The blitzing question, which always comes up with new defensive coordinators?

“I’ve been around guys that just call it and let’s see what happens,” Weaver said. “ … I believe you have to be calculating and not reckless in blitzing because when you do blitz, you’re obviously leaving your secondary vulnerable.”

Anthony Weaver lets sense of humor shine through

Coming off a seven-year playing career in the NFL, Weaver will bring and expect a high level of intensity, which doesn’t mean players shouldn’t expect a well-placed zinger to bring up the tension.

“I saw Jaelan Phillips the other day and he had a shirt off,” Weaver said of the chiseled linebacker. “And I almost went and put a sweater on.”

Earlier, Weaver told the story of starting his first game as an 18-year-old freshman at Notre Dame, against Michigan.

“You can imagine, like, butterflies in my stomach,” he said. “I’m just glad we weren’t wearing white pants, let’s say that.”

Once Weaver’s playing days ended, coaching seemed like a logical path.

“I was like, ‘All right, I’m going to get in this because this game has been so good to me. And this is my opportunity to pay it forward,’ ” he said.

Weaver and Mike McDaniel go way back

Introductions weren’t necessary when it comes to Weaver and McDaniel. Their time together dates to 2006 when McDaniel was a quality control assistant on the Houston Texans and Weaver was a starting end in his fifth NFL season. Later, they coached together on the staff of the Cleveland Browns.

Through the years, Weaver said, he maintained a high level of respect for McDaniel.

“I was like, ‘Oh, he’s special,’ ” Weaver said. “It took the rest of the world a little longer to see that.”

Weaver listed Romeo Crennel and John Harbaugh as his biggest influences in coaching, praising Crennel’s attention to detail and fundamentals while maintaining an even keel. Harbaugh?

“In my short, three years with him, I just saw how he walked in and operated and constantly kept the pulse of the team,” Weaver said. “And when he got up and addressed the team, he always had something particular in mind and was very direct.”

Having just landed the job, Weaver is just getting to know his personnel even if the same doesn’t apply to South Florida. He has owned a home in Fort Lauderdale since 2009.

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“It’s a beautiful part of the country to be in,” he said. “I’m from upstate New York, so to come down to the sun, beach and all that stuff is obviously incredible. You want to be down here. It’s awesome.”

Weaver won’t have much time to kick back in the ocean once the offseason program and training camp get in gear. Already, he is familiarizing himself with his roster, saying he’s excited to be coaching Zach Sieler, Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Christian Wilkins, David Long, Javon Holland and Ramsey.

“So on every level of defense, there’s somebody that you get excited about watching,” he said.

Then, he covered all bases, adding: “There’s guys I failed to mention. I apologize to all of them.”

Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at  hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal.

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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: New Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver on blitzing, getting most of players