Miami's Quest for New Leadership: Charting a Course Beyond the 2025 Season
The Initial Moves: Appointing a New General Manager
In the aftermath of the 2025 NFL regular season, the Miami Dolphins swiftly moved to fill a pivotal leadership role, successfully bringing on Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager. This crucial appointment laid the groundwork for the subsequent and equally important task of identifying and securing a new head coach, setting the stage for a comprehensive overhaul of the team's strategic direction.
First Contact: Virtual Interview with Klint Kubiak
Adhering to league protocols and eager to commence their coaching search, the Dolphins initiated their interview process with a virtual meeting. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was the first candidate to engage with the team, fulfilling a key requirement that demands an in-person interview prior to the Super Bowl, especially if his current team were to advance in the playoffs. This early interaction underscores the Dolphins' commitment to a thorough and compliant selection process.
Key In-Person Interview: Meeting with Kevin Stefanski
As the search intensified, the Dolphins scheduled a significant in-person interview with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. This meeting represents a critical step in their evaluation process, allowing for a more direct and in-depth assessment of Stefanski's coaching philosophy and potential fit with the Miami organization. Stefanski's prior experience and recent availability have made him a prominent figure in the ongoing NFL coaching carousel, drawing interest from multiple franchises.
Stefanski's Coaching Pedigree and Previous Endeavors
Kevin Stefanski, recognized as the NFL Coach of the Year in both 2020 and 2023, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His tenure with the Cleveland Browns, while ending in his dismissal, was preceded by a lengthy and diverse career with the Minnesota Vikings. Over 14 years, he ascended through various coaching positions, including assistant to the head coach, assistant quarterbacks coach, tight ends coach, running backs coach, quarterbacks coach, and ultimately, offensive coordinator. This extensive background highlights his comprehensive understanding of NFL offensive strategies and player development.
Evaluating Stefanski's Head Coaching Record
During his time as head coach for the Cleveland Browns, Stefanski accumulated a regular-season record of 45 wins and 56 losses over six seasons. In the playoffs, his teams secured one victory against two defeats. This record provides the Dolphins with a tangible benchmark to assess his leadership capabilities and strategic effectiveness in a head coaching role, informing their decision-making process as they weigh his candidacy against other contenders.