After a disappointing 7–10 season in 2025 that saw the Dolphins miss the playoffs and ultimately part ways with head coach Mike McDaniel, Miami enters the 2026 offseason with one of the most intriguing coaching vacancies in the NFL.
Below, we take a look at three of the top candidates listed on the odds board at BetOnline:
Harbaugh, Hafley Lead The Race For Dolphins Next Head Coach
John Harbaugh +125
Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh stands as the early favorite for Miami’s opening. Harbaugh coached in Baltimore from 2008 to 2025, leading the franchise to consistent playoff appearances and a Super Bowl XLVII title during his tenure.
Harbaugh’s reputation as a steady, disciplined leader with championship experience is exactly the type of presence a team like Miami might want after consecutive losing seasons. With both offensive and defensive coordinators turning over, and with a new GM in place, Miami could benefit from an established voice who can instill a winning culture and immediate credibility throughout the organization.
However, landing Harbaugh may hinge on their new GM’s vision for the roster and staff alignment. Harbaugh’s preference for control over staffing and front office collaboration could be a make-or-break detail in Miami’s process.
Jeff Hafley +150
At +150, Jeff Hafley represents a more youthful candidate. Currently the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, Hafley has built a reputation for designing aggressive, opportunistic defenses. Before joining Green Bay, he spent three seasons as head coach at Boston College and had stints coaching defensive backs across several NFL teams.
The appeal of Hafley goes beyond just X’s and O’s. Miami’s new GM, Jon-Eric Sullivan, spent more than two decades in Green Bay’s front office. Hafley’s success in Green Bay could create a natural working familiarity between coach and GM that helps streamline building a coaching staff and roster strategy.
Vance Joseph +500
Vance Joseph, currently serving as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, offers another defensive-minded option with previous head coaching experience. Before returning to coordinator roles, he served as the Broncos’ head coach in 2017–2018. Joseph also has a history with the Dolphins organization, having served as Miami’s defensive coordinator in 2016.
Joseph’s leadership could inject discipline and accountability into Miami’s defense while providing a steady temperament for the locker room. The main question for Joseph will be whether he can translate that defensive strength into consistent team performance, particularly on offense.
