John Harbaugh didn’t stay out of the conversation for long after his surprising departure from the Baltimore Ravens, who let go of their Super Bowl-winning head coach. Just days later, the buzz around the league has shifted south, where a team that currently has no openings might be eyeing a change.
The Miami Dolphins are coming off a disappointing 7–10 season, and while they haven’t made any coaching changes yet, new reports suggest that ownership is already conducting some investigations. The situation in South Florida seems tense, hinting at the potential for a significant shift in NFL power dynamics.
Miami Dolphins’ Interest Emerges Despite Mike McDaniel Still in Place
NFL insider Josina Anderson revealed that the Miami Dolphins have quietly reached out. “I’m told that #Dolphins ownership has expressed an affinity for John Harbaugh recently, per league source,” Anderson wrote on X, adding that while the seat is not officially vacant, Harbaugh “will have multiple conversations at his doorstep.”
I’m told the #Dolphins have been in touch on John Harbaugh, per league sources.
It’s my understanding Todd Monken could have a path to still be Harbaugh’s OC (withstanding other opportunities), if Monken departs Baltimore with the arrival of the #Ravens new head coach.
Adding,… https://t.co/IvFmxClego pic.twitter.com/WY10vZ1YeK
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 7, 2026
This was echoed shortly after, with Anderson reporting that the Dolphins have been in touch with Harbaugh, and the talks might go beyond just the head coach role. “It’s my understanding Todd Monken could have a path to still be Harbaugh’s OC (withstanding other opportunities), if Monken departs Baltimore with the arrival of the Ravens’ new head coach,” she added.
The timing is significant. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that at least one team without an opening reached out to Harbaugh’s agent following his dismissal. Many around the league quickly speculated that the team was Miami, a speculation that now appears grounded in reality.
Harbaugh’s exit from Baltimore followed an increasingly strained dynamic. Reports from Dianna Russini indicated his refusal to consider moving on from offensive coordinator Todd Monken became a pressure point. Jeff Zrebiec later added that the relationship between Harbaugh, Monken, and quarterback Lamar Jackson had grown awkward, particularly amid recurring confusion surrounding Jackson’s injury status and practice availability.
In Miami, uncertainty already looms. Owner Stephen Ross has reportedly not fully decided whether to retain head coach Mike McDaniel after back-to-back playoff misses. The Dolphins’ 38–10 Week 18 loss to the Patriots sealed their worst season since 2019 and marked their first sweep by New England since 2016.
The Dolphins are ranked 19th in offense with a 73.1 grade in PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric.
Quarterback stability could ultimately decide everything. Anderson noted that Miami’s QB situation will be “a big factor” in any Harbaugh evaluation. Tua Tagovailoa’s future is unclear, and rookie Quinn Ewers remains largely unproven after just three starts in 2025. That uncertainty could complicate any pitch to a veteran coach with leverage.
Meanwhile, Harbaugh is believed to hold a high regard for New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, opening the door for competition should multiple teams escalate interest.
There’s also the front-office aspect to think about. Miami is on the hunt for a new general manager, with Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander, who has two decades of experience in Baltimore, emerging as a potential candidate. That shared background could be significant.
Nothing is imminent. McDaniel is still employed. No vacancy exists. But when a franchise without an opening starts making calls, it usually means one thing: decisions are being weighed behind closed doors. And with John Harbaugh suddenly available, the Dolphins appear unwilling to sit this one out.