The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 season with major changes. Jeff Hafley comes over from the Packers, where he served as defensive coordinator, to take over the head coaching job. Bobby Slowik takes over as offensive coordinator, and Malik Willis steps in at quarterback for the departed Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins’ running back room remains intact, with De’Von Achane returning as the lead back. On offense, Miami returns just three of its top eight pass catchers from a season ago, but Malik Washington and tight end Greg Dulcich return. The team also welcomes Jalen Tolbert from the Cowboys and Texas Tech rookie Caleb Douglas. Up front, the offensive line features Patrick Paul, Alabama rookie Kadyn Proctor, Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, and Austin Jackson as the starting five.
Sean Duggan comes from the Packers and, at just 33, will take over as defensive coordinator. Miami has undergone as much defensive roster turnover as any team in the league, returning just three of its top eleven tacklers from a year ago. Even so, the front seven returns Jordan Phillips, Zach Sieler, and Jordyn Brooks, while Miami welcomes Josh Uche from New England, Ronnie Harrison Jr. from the Falcons, and Texas Tech rookie Jacob Rodriguez. Harrison was placed on injured reserve following Week 1. In the secondary, Dante Trader Jr. is the most notable returning contributor, and Darrell Baker Jr. begins the year on the PUP list. Kyle Louis was also placed on injured reserve following the season opener.
Chris Tabor takes over as special teams coordinator, coming over from Buffalo. Riley Patterson returns as field goal kicker after connecting on 93% of his attempts last year, and Bradley Pinion comes over from Atlanta to handle punting duties. Malik Washington is an outstanding return man and will look to set the Dolphins up with favorable field position. With so much turnover on both sides of the ball, the Dolphins entered the season needing to quickly get everyone on the same page with the new coaching staff. They have opened 2026 at 0-2 after road losses to Las Vegas and San Francisco.