Dolphins’ interest in Harbaugh “not as concrete” as previously thought

Dolphins’ interest in Harbaugh “not as concrete” as previously thoughtStory bySumeet JenaThu, January 8, 2026 at 1:42 AM UTC·2 min read

The Miami Dolphins currently do not have a head coach vacancy.

Head coach Mike McDaniel survived the infamous “Black Monday”, and still has his job—for now.

However, following John Harbaugh’s dismissal from the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week, reports suggested that the Dolphins ownership had a “real affinity” for Harbaugh.

Certainly, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is close to the Harbaugh family. Ross not only once tried to hire John’s brother Jim Harbaugh as the head coach of the Dolphins back in 2011, but he is also a big donor to the University of Michigan, where Jim was the head coach from 2015-2023.

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That, coupled with the fact that ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated that more than one team currently without a head coaching vacancy reached out to Harbaugh, signals that there may be some real interest from the Dolphins.

However, Barry Jackson of the Sun Sentinel, longtime Dolphins beat reporter and with many sources close to or in the organization, recently said that the Dolphins “have not reached out to” Harbaugh, per his sources.

So, who to believe?

Well, the likely story here is that the Dolphins probably do have some interest in Harbaugh, but have not physically reached out to him just yet. Though this would not be considered tampering as Harbaugh is currently not employed, the Dolphins likely want to respect McDaniel’s future as well, and not kick him to the curb before a deal is in place.

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The team is also currently conducting general manager interviews, and the topic of head coach is certainly one that will play a part in the team’s eventual decision to hire a candidate. If the new general manager likes McDaniel, it’s difficult to see a future in which Harbaugh is coaching in south Florida next season.

As the offseason unfolds, speculation will continue, but at this point, nothing is solid. The Dolphins will continue this process how they best see fit, and let the chips fall how they may.

Do you think the Dolphins should hire John Harbaugh? Why or why not? Let us know down below!

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