### Dolphins' Coaching Search Heats Up Following GM Hire The Miami Dolphins are actively pursuing a new head coach after the recent firing of Mike McDaniel. The team has appointed Jon-Eric Sullivan, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, as their new general manager, marking a significant step in their organizational restructuring. Sullivan's first major task is to identify a suitable head coach, and the Dolphins have already begun reaching out to various candidates, including notable names with connections to Sullivan. ### Structure of the Dolphins' Coaching Search 1. **New General Manager Appointment** - Jon-Eric Sullivan has been hired as the Dolphins' new GM, replacing Chris Grier, who was let go during the season [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dolphins-hire-jon-eric-sullivan-151430968.html]. 2. **Coaching Candidates Identified** - The Dolphins have expressed interest in several candidates, including John Harbaugh, Klint Kubiak, and Chris Shula, among others [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dolphins-coach-tracker-klint-kubiak-183635608.html]. 3. **Interview Process Initiated** - Interviews are being scheduled, with Kubiak and Harbaugh being top candidates. The team is also considering Robert Saleh, indicating a broad search strategy [https://usa-times.news/dolphins-make-request-to-interview-robert-saleh-as-coach-search-ramps-up]. 4. **Strategic Implications of GM Hire** - Sullivan's hiring is seen as a pivotal move that could influence the Dolphins' ability to attract high-profile coaching talent, particularly Harbaugh, who has ties to Sullivan [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/miami-dolphins/news/dolphins-john-harbaugh-head-coaching-job-jon-eric-sullivan/6bad07635c6d460257f6552b]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Coaching Candidates**: The Dolphins have reached out to at least six candidates, including: - John Harbaugh (former Ravens coach) - Klint Kubiak (offensive coordinator) - Chris Shula (grandson of legendary coach Don Shula) [https://www.thephinsider.com/the-splash-zone-miami-dolphins-news/114000/dolphins-head-coach-search-gets-underway-the-splash-zone-1-12-26-john-harbaugh-chris-shula]. - **Timeline of Events**: - January 8, 2026: Mike McDaniel is fired. - January 9, 2026: Jon-Eric Sullivan is hired as GM. - January 10, 2026: The Dolphins begin reaching out to coaching candidates [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dolphins-hire-jon-eric-sullivan-152021247.html]. ### Summary of Findings In summary, the Miami Dolphins are in the midst of a critical coaching search following the dismissal of Mike McDaniel. The hiring of Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager is a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the team's direction. The Dolphins are actively engaging with a diverse pool of coaching candidates, with a particular focus on those who have connections to Sullivan. 1. **Key Move**: Hiring Jon-Eric Sullivan as GM is a foundational step for the Dolphins [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dolphins-hire-jon-eric-sullivan-151430968.html]. 2. **Candidate List**: The team is considering several high-profile candidates, including John Harbaugh and Klint Kubiak [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dolphins-coach-tracker-klint-kubiak-183635608.html]. 3. **Interview Process**: The Dolphins are moving quickly to set up interviews, indicating a proactive approach to filling the head coach position [https://usa-times.news/dolphins-make-request-to-interview-robert-saleh-as-coach-search-ramps-up]. 4. **Strategic Importance**: The choice of GM is expected to significantly impact the coaching search and the future of the franchise [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/miami-dolphins/news/dolphins-john-harbaugh-head-coaching-job-jon-eric-sullivan/6bad07635c6d460257f6552b].