The first domino of the massive assistant coaching staff shakeup coming to the Miami Dolphins has reportedly fallen

A multi-year assistant is reportedly off to a new gig amid change in Miami.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer

Jan 21, 2026 2:08 PM EST

Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Siran Neal (33) and cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) look on after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. — Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The first wave of change hit the Miami Dolphins nearly two weeks ago when the team cut loose head coach Mike McDaniel. In the two weeks since, the Dolphins have interviewed 10 candidates for the position and ultimately decided on Jeff Hafley. But the head coach position is just the tip of the iceberg.

These coaches want to work with a group of assistants who can effectively communicate the vision and serve as an extension of the message. That often leads to change underneath when there’s change at the top. The Dolphins are, per a report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, finding their first change to their assistant staff amid their new direction: cornerbacks coach Mathieu Araujo is headed to Jacksonville.

The Jaguars are reportedly hiring Dolphins cornerbacks coach Mathieu Araujo

The #Jaguars are currently expected to hire #Dolphins cornerbacks coach Mathieu Araujo, sources tell @CBSSports.

Has worked in Miami the last four seasons and had recently interviewed for the Jets defensive coordinator job. pic.twitter.com/fVbFfzU8DW
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 21, 2026

It was just a few days ago that Araujo interviewed for the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator vacancy. There are a lot of dominoes to fall across the league, as you would expect with 10 head coaching changes and the subsequent shuffling of assistants. But Araujo, who was regarded as a bright young coach, will reportedly be among the first to settle into place with a new dig.

It’s part of the cost of making a change of your own; your assistants hang in limbo, creating some uncertainty about their role under a new regime. Perhaps this was a promotion. Perhaps it was the uncertainty of a role moving forward. Either way, you can put Araujo down as the first domino of what should probably be expected to be many to hit the Dolphins on the assistant coaching staff.

The list of those returning from 2025 will probably be shorter than the list of those who are leaving. And given the Dolphins’ pursuit of a total rebuild, that may not be a bad thing.