Miami Overhaul: Hafley Fills Staff as Dolphins Brace for “Seismic” Roster Decisions
MIAMI GARDENS, FL — The Miami Dolphins’ “New Era” officially shifted into high gear this weekend. Following the introductory press conference of head coach Jeff Hafley and General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the organization has moved with lightning speed to solidify a leadership structure tasked with digging the franchise out of back-to-back losing seasons.
With staff positions filling and a massive quarterback conundrum looming, here is the state of the Dolphins as of January 25, 2026.
The Coaching Carousel: Promoting from Within
The biggest news of the weekend came Saturday afternoon with the promotion of Bobby Slowik to Offensive Coordinator. Slowik, who served as Miami’s senior passing game coordinator last season, becomes the first major coordinator hire under Hafley.
Slowik’s pedigree is significant; he previously directed a top-10 offense for the Houston Texans in 2023, helping C.J. Stroud to an Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign. By retaining Slowik, Hafley ensures a level of continuity for a unit that could see massive personnel turnover this spring.
Slowik isn’t the only addition. Earlier in the week, the Dolphins “poached” special teams coordinator Chris Tabor from the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Tabor is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier special teams minds, a clear attempt by Hafley to inject “tenacity and grit” into a unit that struggled in 2025.
Front Office: Sullivan’s Right-Hand Man
New GM Jon-Eric Sullivan has wasted no time reshaping the scouting department. Sullivan officially named Kyle Smith as Assistant General Manager on Friday. Smith, the son of legendary executive A.J. Smith, joins Miami from the Atlanta Falcons and brings a reputation as an elite talent evaluator.
“We are building a foundation based on integrity and intellect,” Sullivan said during Thursday’s introduction. “Kyle is a vital piece of that puzzle.”
The QB Conundrum: Is Tua’s Time Up?
Despite the coaching hires, the $54 million question remains: What happens to Tua Tagovailoa?
After a disappointing 2025 season that ended with Tagovailoa on the bench in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, the new regime has been pointedly non-committal. Sullivan and Hafley sidestepped direct questions about the veteran signal-caller during their press conference, fueling rumors that a split is inevitable.
The math, however, is brutal.
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Dead Cap Hit: Releasing Tua would trigger a staggering $99 million dead cap charge.
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The “June 1” Escape: If Miami waits until after June 1 to move him, they could spread that hit across two seasons ($67.4M in 2026 and $31.8M in 2027).
Speculation is already mounting that Miami could pursue a “bridge” veteran in free agency—specifically Malik Willis, who Hafley spoke highly of during a recent radio interview—while they decide if Ewers or a 2026 draft pick is the long-term answer.
Hill and the “Toughest Path” Ahead
The roster uncertainty extends to superstar Tyreek Hill. Coming off a devastating knee injury in Week 4 of last season, Hill’s $51.9 million cap hit for 2026 makes him a prime candidate for a release or massive restructure before his $11 million guarantee kicks in this March. Hill fueled the fire on Saturday, posting cryptic messages on social media regarding “living with no regrets.”
The new-look Dolphins won’t have an easy start. The 2026 schedule has been finalized, and based on last year’s records, Miami faces the second-toughest strength of schedule in the NFL. The gauntlet includes matchups against the NFC North (Lions, Packers) and the AFC West (Chiefs, Chargers).
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