After four seasons, the Miami Dolphins made the decision to part ways with head coach Mike McDaniel following the team’s disappointing 7-10 finish. Instead of retaining McDaniel, the Dolphins opted to go with a clean slate, featuring a new general manager and a new head coach.
The first part of that has already been decided by the Dolphins. After firing general manager Chris Grier in the middle of the regular season, the Dolphins acted quickly and got their man for the job. Miami announced that they had hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager. Sullivan had previously worked as the Packers vice president of player personnel. Now that decision is complete, Miami can begin its search for a new head coach.
Miami Dolphins’ Harbaugh Possibilities
The popular name for the Dolphins’ head coaching vacancy has been recently fired head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh spent 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and won a Super Bowl with them in 2012. After missing out on the postseason in 2025, the Ravens opted to part ways. Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson quickly noted that Harbaugh was Miami’s top target for their coaching vacancy.
However, after the Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan, Harbaugh’s addition does not seem like a slam dunk for Miami. According to NFL analyst Tony Grossi, John Harbaugh has a list of demands he’d want for his new job. His demands include: $20 million per year, $10 million staff budget, total authority over the roster, and the ability to select his own general manager.
Spending big has never been an issue for the Dolphins under Stephen Ross’ ownership. However, after Miami’s most recent hire, the second part of that list of demands cannot be met by the Dolphins. The newly hired Jon-Eric Sullivan has no prior working relationship with Harbaugh, unlike Chad Alexander, who the Dolphins also interviewed as a general manager candidate.
According to Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson, the Dolphins prioritized making the correct decision on their general manager over potentially handing the keys over to Harbaugh. He said the possibility of pursuing Harbaugh still remains for the team.
Dolphins Head Coaching Search
Unlike most teams with a head coaching vacancy, the Dolphins are somewhat behind. Due to McDaniel’s firing not coming immediately after the season, and the team being without a general manager, they have not yet requested an interview with any coach. However, possibilities have begun to emerge.
Three names with a connection to Jon-Eric Sullivan include: Packers’ defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, and Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.Campanile served as the Packers linebackers coach and run game coordinator; before that, he was Miami’s linebackers coach under Vic Fangio. He previously interviewed with the Dolphins for their defensive coordinator position, but that role went towards Anthony Weaver. Weaver has also been mentioned as someone who is well-liked in the Dolphins building and may get a head coaching interview, but he has no connection with the new general manager.
New Report Casts Doubt on John Harbaugh to Dolphins Fit