Following the hiring of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Miami Dolphins are in the midst of finding their new head coach. After four seasons, the team made the decision to part ways with head coach Mike McDaniel. The decision occurred despite McDaniel having the fifth-best winning percentage by a head coach in franchise history.
Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson reported that “The seven people participating in coaching interviews from the Dolphins side: owner Stephen Ross, GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, Tom Garkinkel, Brandon Shore, Dan Sillman, Dan Marino and Troy Aikman.” Aikman was hired by the Dolphins to consult on their general manager hire. He was then asked to remain with the organization and help them find their new head coach.
According to Jackson, the Dolphins have now shown interest or requested an interview with nine different candidates. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak already completed a virtual interview, while former Browns head coach and two-time coach of the year Kevin Stefanski was Miami’s first in-person interview.
Setback Emerges in Miami Dolphins’ Head Coach Search
Following the news of Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 seasons with the organization, some wondered whether he might be a fit in Miami. NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that Tomlin and former Baltimore Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh are at the top of Miami Dolphins’ wishlist. Previously, Barry Jackson had also reported that Harbaugh was seen as Miami’s top target.
However, a report by The Athletic’s Ian O’Connor has stated that the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans have emerged as the favorites to land John Harbaugh. While it’s still possible the Dolphins end up in the mix for the former Baltimore head coach, it now seems increasingly likely that Harbaugh coaches elsewhere in 2026.
Additionally, regarding Miami’s interest in Tomlin, a new report also casts doubt on that happening. ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated that Mike Tomlin will not coach in the 2026 season. Even if he decided to coach, the Dolphins would have to trade for his rights as Tomlin is still under contract with the Steelers.
Other Possible Names for the Dolphins
After this new information, it seems the Dolphins may not land one of their primary targets, but that does not mean there are no other options. General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has a familiarity with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Hafley served under Matt LaFleur, when LaFleur was asked about Hafley potentially becoming a head coach, he said “I fully anticipate Hafley’s going to do a great job on the interview and I fully anticipate him getting one of these (head coaching jobs).”
Another potential head coaching candidate that has a history with the Dolphins is Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. An ESPN article by Dan Graziano predicts Miami hiring Shula as their new head coach. Graziano wrote, “Too good, right? Don Shula’s grandson coaching Don’s old team? Going into this process, I felt very strongly that Shula would get a head coaching opportunity.
The Shula/Miami connection is too good to pass up. But the Dolphins’ job just opened, and it’s too early to know the eventual top candidates. Shula is well-regarded around the league, and there always seems to be at least one McVay assistant who gets a head coach job.”
Dolphins Face Setback in Head Coach Search