Owner Stephen Ross fired general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. Jon-Eric Sullivan was hired as the new GM, with Jeff Hafley taking over as head coach as the team looks to rebound in 2026.
Positively for the organization, the Dolphins received strong feedback in a broader assessment of the franchise. A recent NFLPA report card labeled Miami first among all teams for the third consecutive year, praising multiple facets of the organization beyond on-field results.
In the individual category breakdown, the Dolphins earned high marks across several areas, including treatment of families, nutrition, training staff, weight room, and overall team travel. The head coach and special teams coordinator were cited as the two lower-scoring areas, leading to staffing changes for the 2026 season.
Analysts highlighted the contrast between on-field performance and organizational culture, noting that players view the Dolphins as well-managed off the field even as on-field results lag behind expectations. The team aims to translate strong internal ratings into improved play under Hafley.
Takeaways from the survey pointed to leadership and communication as key improvement areas for the new regime. While the organization remains lauded for its facilities and support staff, the focus will be on translating those strengths into better results on game days.
Looking ahead, Miami will try to maintain its strong organizational reputation while building a more competitive team under Jeff Hafley. The franchise remains hopeful that the changes at the top produce a more consistent path to postseason contention.
