Dolphins Eye Defensive Leader: Miami Requests Interview with Robert Saleh in Coaching Shuffle

The Miami Dolphins have entered a pivotal phase of their offseason rebuild. This is most noticeable in their search for a head coach. The NFL coach carousel has become increasingly complicated, and Miami has formally requested an interview with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator and former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh.

The move could be about more than just filling the spot; it could also signal that the Dolphins are looking to change their otherwise offensive strategy. Saleh’s name immediately stands out for his familiarity with the AFC East and his defense-focused pedigree.

Why Miami Moved on from Mike McDaniel

After a disappointing 2025, the team has dismissed Mike McDaniel. The season ended with a 7–10 record and another missed playoff appearance. The team also showed flashes of creativity on offense, but struggled on defense and had many injuries. Ownership decided that a broader reset is needed to fix these issues.

This was also evident in the odds set by the best crypto sports betting sites, which consistently showed that the Dolphins’ games are likely to be high-scoring affairs. CCN experts claim that sites like these provide live odds based on in-game events and allow players to safely wager in crypto without providing personal data.

Changes were made in the front office as well. The team hired a new general manager tasked with aligning roster construction and coaching philosophy.

Robert Saleh’s Coaching Resume and Reputation

Robert Saleh is one of the most recognizable defense coaches in the NFL. He’s also known for his player-first style and the ability to build a disciplined unit out of the team he’s running. Saleh is currently the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, a position he held from 2017 to 2020.

Saleh was also a head coach for the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. His overall record in New York was under .500, but it’s important to note that he inherited very difficult circumstances. Under Saleh, the Jets fielded competitive defenses and showed signs of cultural improvement.

Saleh will also bring another important quality to the team, since he’s familiar with AFC East opponents and organizational pressures. The franchise is looking for a leader who could command the locker room, and Saleh could be the right person.

How Saleh Fits Into Miami’s Coaching Search

Several teams are looking for a head coach this season, and the Dolphins need to navigate a heavy competition. The media have also linked Miami to several other coaches, some of whom are Super Bowl-winning veterans. However, those options fell through in the negotiation.

Saleh has therefore emerged as a realistic and well-fitting candidate. Since this isn’t his time being a head coach, Saleh can offer a coherent system and a sense of credibility that those who have never been head coaches can’t. Miami is especially looking to improve its defense, and his run with the 49ers can help with that a great deal.

This isn’t to say that Saleh’s name is now the only one under consideration, but the mix of experience and style puts him in a unique category: he can turn the team around, but isn’t out of reach when it comes to budget.

 The Bigger Picture: An Unusually Busy Coaching Carousel

The search for a new coach is underway, while a few teams are facing the same problem. Teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders have already parted ways with John Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. At the same time, the New York Giants recently hired Harbaugh and therefore made the race much tighter.

The Browns, Titans, Cardinals, Falcons, and Giants are still searching for replacements. League insiders claim this context puts additional pressure on the Miami Dolphins, with a shorter deadline and the need to spend more than they initially planned.

What Comes Next for the Dolphins?

The Dolphins are expected to continue conducting interviews over the coming weeks. They’ll make a final decision before the start of the offseason programs. Saleh will have to present his vision for both the roster and defense strategy. He’ll also have to provide a vision for the franchise as a whole, at least when it comes to the next couple of seasons.

If the team definitely decides to sign Saleh, it will signal a change in their philosophy and a focus on a more defensive approach. This is the start of a new chapter for the Dolphins, and regardless of what they decide, it will be exciting to watch how the team adapts.