The Miami Dolphins have set the stage for a major organisational overhaul, but their path to potentially hiring coveted coach John Harbaugh is filled with a critical precondition. According to ESPN NFL insider Jeff Darlington, the Dolphins' dismissal of head coach Mike McDaniel was a separate decision, not a calculated move to chase Harbaugh. The real key to landing the former Baltimore Ravens coach lies in who Miami hires to run its front office.
GM Search Takes Priority Over Head Coach
Jeff Darlington laid out the central condition for any partnership between the Dolphins and John Harbaugh during appearances on 'NFL Live' and in a social media post. Harbaugh's interest in the Miami job depends entirely on his comfort level with the new General Manager. "If Harbaugh isn't cool with the GM that the Dolphins hire, it's just not going to be a match," Darlington stated. He added that the Dolphins are aware of this and willing to accept that outcome, meaning the possibility remains on the table but is far from guaranteed.
This stance is significant because the Dolphins are deliberately prioritising their search for a new General Manager before fully addressing the head coaching vacancy. This order of operations complicates a pursuit of Harbaugh, but the organisation is prepared to walk away rather than restructure its front-office hierarchy to accommodate a specific coach. The GM opening arose after the team moved on from long-time executive Chris Grier during the 2025 season. Interim GM Champ Kelly is in place, but the team is looking externally.
McDaniel's Exit Driven by Results, Not Opportunity
Darlington was explicit in separating the firing of Mike McDaniel from the speculation surrounding John Harbaugh. McDaniel was let go on Thursday following a disappointing 7-10 season that extended a prolonged slide for the franchise. Despite heavy investment in the roster, the Dolphins have compiled a 17-21 record since a late-season collapse in 2023.
Owner Stephen Ross met with McDaniel earlier in the week and, according to Darlington, walked away feeling conflicted. Although the team showed some late improvement, it was insufficient to justify continuing with the status quo. "Ultimately, [Ross] just walked away from it feeling like it wasn't the right decision to keep [McDaniel]," Darlington reported. The owner specifically used the term 'status quo,' expressing a desire to avoid it.
This distinction reframes Miami's reset. It was not a reactive move made because a high-profile coach like Harbaugh became available. Instead, it was a verdict on four seasons under McDaniel, a hand-picked roster, and results that consistently failed to meet lofty expectations. Reports indicate McDaniel had not lost the locker room, but the leadership viewed continuity as stagnation.
Harbaugh Connections and the Road Ahead
As the Dolphins cast a wide net for a new General Manager, one name with direct ties to John Harbaugh is Chad Alexander, the current General Manager of the Los Angeles Chargers. Alexander previously worked closely with both John Harbaugh and his brother, Jim, making him a potential candidate who could align with Harbaugh's vision.
Darlington has consistently stressed that while Miami's interest in Harbaugh is genuine, it is strictly conditional. The Dolphins are not willing to reverse their organisational structure or compromise on control to secure him. The franchise is now committed to a full reset, beginning with the front office and only then turning its attention to the sideline, setting up a pivotal few weeks for the team's future.
