The Miami Dolphins ended their season with a 38-10 loss to the New England Patriots. The loss in New England represented the team being swept by the Patriots for the first time since 2016
With the loss, the Dolphins dropped to 7-10. The mark represented their worst season since 2019. With the team missing the playoffs for a second straight season, uncertainty about head coach Mike McDaniel grew. Following the season, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport noted that Miami was expected to retain head coach Mike McDaniel for the 2026 season. However, Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson noted that despite the reports, the team had not publicly announced McDaniel’s return.
Following the 2024 season, owner Stephen Ross released a statement that said, “Our football operation will continue to be led by Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel with my full support.” Ross has not released a similar statement this year. Speculation has grown as to why, and it may be directly tied to former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.
Dolphins Interest in John Harbaugh
GettyJohn Harbaugh
After missing out on the postseason, the Ravens parted ways with head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. He was quickly linked to the Miami Dolphins. NFL insider Josina Anderson said, “Dolphins ownership has expressed an affinity for John Harbaugh recently.” Additionally, Miami Herald writer Omar Kelly speculated that the Dolphins would know quickly whether the interest in Harbaugh was mutual. He speculated that Stephen Ross could land him with a $17 million five-year deal.
Currently, the Dolphins find themselves with a head coach and without a general manager. The search is undergoing, and it was reported today that the team requested to interview Chargers assistant general manager Chad Alexander. Alexander came up with the Baltimore Ravens and has ties to recently fired coach John Harbaugh. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah speculated that the two could pair up, saying, “Chad Alexander has worked with John and Jim Harbaugh. It would be very tempting to pair Chad and John up to run an organization. Proof of concept already in place.”
Dolphins and Harbaugh
The Dolphins pursuing a Harbaugh would be nothing new for owner Stephen Ross. In 2011, the Dolphins had head coach Tony Sparano under contract, but Ross decided to meet with John’s brother, Jim Harbaugh, about potentially replacing Sparano. Jim Harbaugh ended up choosing San Francisco, and news got out about Miami’s interest while still maintaining a head coach. Regarding the situation, Ross said, “I shouldn’t have been talking to coaches until I decided that I should make a change.” He also said, “I’d go about it a different way.”
Fifteen years later, Ross has a chance to do it over again. Whether he repeats those same mistakes he made with John’s brother remains to be seen. Last time, Ross ended up giving Sparano a contract extension to remedy the situation, only to fire him before the season ended. We will now see what the Dolphins decide to do with current head coach Mike McDaniel and if they will pursue John Harbaugh.
Dolphins Linked to Super Bowl Winning Head Coach