After a 7-10 season, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross decided to make substantial changes as he fired head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons at the helm. Earlier in the season, Ross also fired general manager Chris Grier after 26 years in the Dolphins organization.
Despite making back-to-back postseason appearances in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the team regressed in the following two seasons, which prompted Stephen Ross to make the changes. Ross decided to get help from outside the organization as he hired Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman to help consult in Miami’s search for a new general manager. Finally, the team decided to hire former Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager.
With that decision settled, the Dolphins have now begun their search for a new head coach. Former Ravens Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh was reported to be the team’s top target, but he has yet to interview or schedule an interview with the Dolphins.
Former Dolphins Player to be Interviewed
All throughout the week, Miami has begun to carve out their list of candidates as they’ve been interviewing potential head coach candidates from all around the NFL. One name who came as a surprise was Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Sheppard was promoted ahead of the season to defensive coordinator in Detroit after former coordinator Aaron Glenn took the Jets head coaching job.
Of course, Sheppard has previous experience with the Dolphins as he played two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. In the 2015 season with the Dolphins, Sheppard had a career-high 105 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. His current boss, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, served as Miami’s interim head coach that season for 12 games.
Regarding the job Sheppard was doing as Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Dan Campbell said, “Shepp’s done a hell of a job, but I’m going to have to lean on him over there with that unit, which he’s earned that trust, and he’s been outstanding for us.” However, Campbell made that comment when the Lions were 7-4 at the time. They ended up going 9-8 and missing the postseason. Detroit’s defense finished 22nd in points per game allowed, they finished 11th in the 2024 season under Aaron Glenn.
Other Dolphins Candidates
Sheppard is not the only candidate that has a connection to the Dolphins franchise. Miami requested to interview Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who is the grandson of Miami Dolphins legend Don Shula. Chris Shula’s Los Angeles Rams defense finished in the top-ten in points per game allowed this season.
Another popular candidate the Dolphins have requested to interview is Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Hafley has been a popular coaching candidate in this current cycle, and he’s got the Green Bay connection with Miami’s new general manager.
While no candidate has become a clear cut favorite for the Dolphins, Miami’s new management group seems to be doing their due diligence as they’re taking their time in this process. Despite the coaching interview request reports, the only interview the Dolphins have publicly they’ve stated they’ve had has been with Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks offensive coordinator.
Former Dolphin Player Emerges in Miami Head Coach Search