The Dolphins stand above the rest of the NFL in one of the most popular trends of 2026
The Dolphins stand alone in one measure already in 2026.
The Miami Dolphins were not the only ones across the NFL to endure significant changes to their football operation this offseason.
One-third of the league made a change at head coach. Two-thirds of the league made a change at offensive coordinator. The coaching carousel was relentless and touched just about every corner of the league. But the Dolphins do stand in a league of their own, even amid the sweeping changes. Change was a theme everywhere but Miami’s change was…different.
Dolphins stand as lone team with wall-to-wall wholesale changes as coaching carousel stops spinning
ESPN senior writer Mike Clay put together a visual aid to help measure the NFL’s leadership changes with a simple illustration. Names in red are “new hires” in 2026. The graphic measures head coaches, offensive coordinators, offensive play-callers, defensive coordinators, and general managers. With all of the vacancies finally filled, we have ourselves an official headcount.
The Miami Dolphins are the only team in 2026 to take on a new head coach (Jeff Hafley), offensive coordinator & play-caller (Bobby Slowik), defensive coordinator (Sean Duggan), and general manager (Jon-Eric Sullivan). Only two other teams, the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings, made a general manager change — so the field was narrow on that front.
Nevertheless, it does underscore that even amid the change in the league this year, Miami is one the forefront of change. Minnesota kept their power players in the coaching staff, while Atlanta retained defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich for new head coach Kevin Stefanski’s staff. Whether or not the change in Miami yields wins sooner rather than later is yet to be determined. But you can’t fault this team for not scrapping the status-quo and aspiring to create a better on-field product moving forward.
Miami Dolphins News
The Dolphins are reportedly tacking on another coaching assistant after formally announcing their 2026 staff
The Dolphins are reportedly making another last-minute coaching staff addition.
