Phins have found their GM… now it’s all about the HC
The Miami Dolphins’ head coaching search has rapidly become one of the most intriguing storylines of the NFL offseason. After the franchise’s decision to move on from Mike McDaniel following a 7–10 finish in 2025, Miami wasted little time resetting the top of its football operations — hiring Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and immediately turning attention to the coaching vacancy.
And no matter how good Sullivan the head coach pick may be, who he hires to lead the team will make or break his tenure.
Phins Casting a Wide Net
The search started with ambitious targets. Among the earliest names connected to Miami was John Harbaugh, the recently departed long-time Baltimore Ravens head coach and 2012 Super Bowl winner. Harbaugh was widely regarded as the premier candidate on the market, and Miami reportedly reached out about interviewing him for the position. However, that possibility has faded rapidly. Harbaugh has agreed to become the next head coach of the New York Giants, bringing his Ravens era to a close and removing arguably the most high-profile name from Miami’s list.
With Harbaugh off the board, Miami’s search has deepened and broadened. The Dolphins have already conducted several interviews and made multiple interview requests as they attempt to find the right fit for the next era. Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski — a two-time Coach of the Year known for his offensive acumen and ability to manage a roster — has met with Miami’s leadership for an in-person interview. Defensive minds are also in play: Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has completed an interview with Miami, giving him valuable face time with the decision makers. And the first interview in the process was previously held virtually with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, as NFL rules allow early interviews with coaches still in the playoffs.
Phins HC List Keeps Growing
But the Dolphins’ list keeps growing. Miami has formally requested interviews with a deep roster of candidates, showing it’s casting a wide net rather than zeroing in on one profile too early. Included among these are:
- 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, a respected leader with head-coaching experience,
- Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, whose defense has performed well under his guidance,
- Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, a veteran NFL coach,
- Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, and
- Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, a former Dolphins assistant familiar with the organization.
Miami has even added Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady to its interview request list, reflecting an openness to offensive candidates beyond the initial defensive tilt. That diverse list illustrates Sullivan’s strategy: build a comprehensive pool of perspectives and find someone who can establish accountability, culture, and identity rather than chase the flashiest name.
No Harbaugh Forces Phins to Have Greater Vison
With Harbaugh headed to New York and the coaching carousel in full motion around the league, you can bet with the best pay per head that Miami’s search now looks like a true evaluation process, not a fallback plan. Stefanski’s experience, Hafley’s defensive credibility, and Saleh’s prior head-coaching tenure stand out among the leading names — but Miami’s willingness to talk to younger coordinators like Kubiak and Campanile suggests they want both vision and culture fit.
As the Dolphins continue scheduling interviews and narrowing the field, the fan base should expect at least a few more headline candidates before a hire is made. Whoever wears the aqua whistle next will have to unify an ambitious roster and prove that Miami’s reset was more than a reset of titles — it’s meant to be a reset of identity.
Packers Matt LaFleur is a name that could pop on the Phins radar if Green Bay doesn’t meet his demands. LaFleur definitely worth keep your eyes on as a Harbaugh lite option.
Who’s Interviewed (Confirmed)
- Kevin Stefanski — In-person interview
- Jeff Hafley — Interview complete
- Klint Kubiak — Virtual interview
Who Has Interview Requests
- Robert Saleh
- Jesse Minter
- Patrick Graham
- Kelvin Sheppard
- Anthony Campanile
- Joe Brady
Despite Harbaugh’s expected hiring by the Giants, the depth of Miami’s candidate pool still gives Ross and Sullivan options from proven NFL leaders to rising coordinators.
Can the Phins finally get it right?
We won’t know for a couple of years, but I think the head coach hire will be a massive indication.
Get. This. One. Right!
Go Phins!!!