Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis gets a very specific compliment from one of his offensive coaches

Miami Dolphins offensive assistant Kevin Patullo gave quarterback Malik Willis a very specific compliment about his approach.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins are busy laying groundwork for a new offense.

The scheme will likely have parallels to the past few years, as offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik takes control as the play caller. Slowik, of course, is off the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, just as former head coach Mike McDaniel was. But as this iteration of Miami’s offense gets rolling, it does feel like it will have a different flavor. And that is not just because there’s a new starting quarterback in town.

But the new man behind center, Malik Willis, is generating buzz for how he’s conducting business behind the scenes. He collected a unique compliment from one of his offensive assistants, Kevin Patullo, on Tuesday.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis draws a rave review for one key aspect of his game

Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws a pass against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn ImagesMike Dinovo-Imagn Images

“(Willis) is extremely detailed (in his mechanics). He wants to know, which is really awesome. When a guy wants to know more and wants to get better. And just doesn’t say ‘this is what I do’ — that’s where you can have problems. But he really wants to evolve as a passer. (He wants to) Know more and really match up his game with what we’re trying to do. So that’s really unique about him and it’s encouraging. Because every day he’s asking questions.”

— Miami Dolphins offensive assistant Kevin Patullo on Malik Willis’ early approach

Everyone in Miami feels like they’re chasing something right now. Proof that the narratives are wrong. Long-term security. A starting role. From top to bottom, this is a far cry from what the past few years have felt like at times for the Miami Dolphins.

Willis, as we have been told by head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, is wired in a way that should help him maximize this opportunity. And now we get a chance to hear it from Patullo, who has been working in Philadelphia to help craft offenses for another mobile quarterback, Jalen Hurts.

Keep asking questions, Malik. This team will go as far as you take them in 2026. And, hopefully, beyond.

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