Ndamukong Suh was given a new nickname by Dolphins coaches

May 26, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defense tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) during practice drills at Miami Dolphins Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Ndamukong Suh has been called a "dirty player" during his time in the NFL, but since joining the Miami Dolphins, the defensive tackle has shed that tagline.

Instead, he's been handed a new nickname by the Dolphins coaching staff: "Chief." After hearing an explanation, it works.

"His new name right now is 'Chief' around here, so you know that," Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said via ESPN. "He's the big chief, kind of like Robert Parrish was back with the Celtics back in the day. And he's a guy that is the leader of the tribe and we're real fortunate to have him. He doesn't say a whole lot all of the time, but when he does, you listen."

Suh is joining a defensive line that already features two great pass rushers in Cameron Wake and Oliver Vernon. With Suh in the middle, the coaching staff is hoping to free up Wake and Vernon on the outside, giving them more one-on-one matchups.

Even when Suh doesn't put up numbers on the stat sheet, he's impacting the game in a big way -- and that's just one example of how he's a game changer. That's exactly why the Dolphins made him the richest defensive player in NFL history.

"The thing about Suh that people don't realize is he's an elite player, but he's got elite intelligence and his work ethic is elite off the charts," Dolphins defensive line coach Terrell Williams said. "That's what makes the guy great. That's what makes him special. Not just great player. Elite intelligence, elite work ethic. I love the guy."

(h/t ESPN.com)