McDaniel’s name has circulated widely, as he’s drawn interest for both head coaching and offensive coordinator roles. The Dolphins have cast a wide net, with 11 candidates either interviewed or scheduled to interview. 🔎🏈
Bleacher Report ranked the Dolphins’ opening as the sixth-best of eight, and their top target, John Harbaugh, had already signed with the Giants, though Miami never held a formal Harbaugh interview. 🏈🚫
With Jon-Eric Sullivan now the Dolphins’ general manager, Jeff Hafley has emerged as the frontrunner, aided by the Sullivan connection. Hafley is the only candidate scheduled for a second interview, while Kevin Stefanski was previously in the mix but ended up joining the Falcons. 🧭🏟️
Several candidates—Robert Saleh, Jesse Minter, and Joe Brady—are eligible for in-person interviews now that their teams’ seasons have ended, and it remains to be seen if Miami will pursue additional rounds. Hafley’s second interview is set for Monday, with another possible meeting Tuesday with the Titans, and there’s always a chance he signs before all interviews conclude. Hafley comes from a Boston College head-coaching background (four seasons, 22-26 overall, bowl-eligible in three of four), including a 7-6 finish in 2023 capped by a Fenway Bowl win over SMU. 🧑💼🍀
