– Hafley’s vision: Build a tough, defense-minded program and assemble his coaching staff. With Hafley’s background as a defensive coordinator, expect a personnel shakeup on that side; defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver could move on to new opportunities.
– New hire on special teams: Chris Tabor is coming to Miami as the special teams coach, bringing extensive experience from the Bills, Panthers, and Bears, plus brief stints as an interim head coach. He’ll take over from Craig Aukerman and shape the unit’s identity 📊.
– Special teams snapshot: Malik Washington flashed as a return threat, including a punt-return TD against New England. Still, the unit had notable misplays, such as a game-winning kickoff return allowed to the Patriots, a costly Bills punt-penalty late lead, and an onside kick mishap vs. the Saints.
– Kicking decision looming: Jason Sanders remains under contract but missed 2025 with a hip injury, carrying a $4.5M cap hit in 2026. Free-agent Riley Patterson shined in 2025 (27-of-29 FG) after replacing Sanders, and Patterson’s 54-yard long was a personal best. Sanders has monster long-range potential (57-yard make in 2024). Tabor’s biggest question may be who replaces Sanders moving forward 🥅.
– Punter update: Jake Bailey enjoyed his best season in Miami, but he’s headed for free agency in March, leaving room for a potential change at punter as the club reshapes special teams 🌀.
Takeaway: The Dolphins are betting on a defense-first, robust special-teams approach under Hafley’s leadership, signaling several roster and staff moves to align with that identity. Expect bold decisions as the new regime builds toward a tougher, more explosive Miami squad 🏈⚡.
