The Miami Dolphins’ offseason is in full swing as the team has already hired a new general manager and head coach. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan gave an interview in which he highlighted the kind of team he wants the Dolphins to be. Sullivan said, “Mental toughness, physical toughness, you start there from a character standpoint and a burning desire to want to be the best that you can be and win. That’s what we’re all here to do. At the end of the day, if you broke it down to one word, we’re here to win.”
Dolphins fans have yet to hear from new Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley since being hired. However, that does not mean the job has yet to start for Hafley. After spending two years with the Packers as their defensive coordinator, Hafley’s first transaction since taking over the Dolphins has gone down and it was a defensive signing.
Miami Dolphins Sign Linebacker
On Jan. 21, the Miami Dolphins announced they signed linebacker Seth Coleman to a reserve/future contract. Coleman represents the first signing the Dolphins made since entering the Jeff Hafley era. Coleman spent the offseason program and training camp with the Seahawks after being an undrafted free-agent signing in 2025. He then spent the season on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. In college, Coleman played at Illinois, where he appeared in 56 career games with 42 starts in six seasons, recording 183 tackles (106 solo), 15.5 sacks, 27.5 tackles for loss, 15 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
A reserve/future contract is a non-guaranteed, one-year deal. It gives the team the player’s rights for the next season without impacting the current salary cap or roster. Coleman will have a chance to earn a roster spot with the Dolphins heading into the 2026 season. The Dolphins’ linebacker room currently has Jordyn Brooks, who led the NFL in tackles as he earned All-Pro honors.
The team had already signed a former Packers player, who worked with Hafley, once general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was hired by the Dolphins.
Dolphins’ Offseason Outlook
The first piece of the Dolphins offseason puzzle is done. They have their general manager and head coach in sync. Now, they will face the difficult task of turning the Dolphins around after the franchise had back-to-back losing seasons. Before free agency, Sullivan and Hafley will have to decide the future of several key Dolphins players, including Pro Bowlers Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, and Tua Tagovailoa.
During his initial interview, Sullivan did not mention any of those three players as building blocks for the franchise. Instead, he mentioned Aaron Brewer, De’Von Achane, Jordyn Brooks, and Patrick Paul. Aside from Paul, three of those players are set to be free agents after the 2026 season, meaning Sullivan could be looking to extend them. He was also asked about Jaylen Waddle, who was involved in trade talks during the 2025 season. Regarding Waddle, Sullivan said, “He’s an explosive athlete, his ability to create separation at the top of the route is as good as any.” Waddle is under contract with the Dolphins for three more seasons.
Dolphins Add Linebacker After Hiring New Head Coach