Dolphins ‘In Play’ For Super Bowl Winning Head Coach

After four seasons at the helm, the Miami Dolphins announced the decision to part ways with head coach Mike McDaniel. He finished his tenure with a 35-33 record while leading the Dolphins to two postseason appearances. He made the playoffs with the Dolphins in back-to-back seasons, the first time Miami had done that since the 2000 and 2001 seasons.

Following the decision, owner Stephen Ross released a statement saying, “After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change.”

Now, the Dolphins will be tasked with conducting the search for the team’s 15th head coach in franchise history. One person who might be involved is a recently fired Super Bowl-winning head coach.

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Dolphins In Play for John Harbaugh

After a few days of the Dolphins being linked to recently fired head coach John Harbaugh, Miami made the tough decision of moving on from their current head coach. Following the news of McDaniel’s firing, NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo commented on Miami potentially going after John Harbaugh. He said, “A general manager search that initially seemed stacked for Mike McDaniel took on a John Harbaugh feel when Chad Alexander entered the fray. Harbaugh also taking his time with his own interview process. Dolphins clearly in play for Harbaugh.”

On Jan. 7, the Dolphins announced that they had moved forward with their general manager search and narrowed down to four candidates. One of which was the previously mentioned Chad Alexander, who had worked with Harbaugh in Baltimore. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah had speculated on the idea of the two reuniting, saying, “It would be very tempting to pair Chad and John up to run an organization. Proof of concept already in place.”

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Dolphins are planning to hire a general manager in the next few days. After that happens, the Dolphins will begin to conduct their search for a new head coach.

ESPN insider Jeff Darlington gave some insight into Miami’s decision to fire Mike McDaniel and potential pursuit of Harbaugh. He said, “The Dolphins have not yet been in touch with John Harbaugh or anyone in his camp, and people close to the decision are adamant this decision to move away from McDaniel is independent of Harbaugh’s availability.”

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Harbaugh Is Miami’s Target

Despite the lack of contact the Dolphins have had with Harbaugh as of this moment, Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson noted that Harbaugh was the team’s primary target. He said Miami is hopeful because of the relationship owner Stephen Ross has with the Harbaugh family and the advantages Miami has to offer.

In regards to the team’s general manager search, Jackson also noted that Miami hiring Chad Alexander would potentially help in the team’s pursuit of Harbaugh. 

Aside from John Harbaugh, the team has not been linked to any other potential head coach. Jackson gave his opinion, saying the team should also consider defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Weaver has now been requested to interview for three head coaching vacancies, including Baltimore’s.

Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer