Consistency in Coaching is just as important as the players’ consistency. The Miami Dolphins made big changes to their staff this year. Can consistency be created in the offseason to make a difference in 2026?
Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator: After last season’s dumpster fire, the Dolphins cleaned house with both players and coaches. No more Tyreek, no more Jaylen Waddle, and no more Mike McDaniel. Now Jeff Hafley takes over the pile of football rubble that the Dolphins have become. His football upbringing was mostly on the defensive side of the ball, with a mix of short-stint gigs in both D-1 and NFL stops. In his roles on offense, he has favored a strong run game. His focus on offense is on safety. He likes a heavy, low-risk run game and a safe passing game where the QB doesn’t have to carry the offense all the time. One thing that he does incorporate is RPO in short yardage situations which may give Malik Willis the opportunity to rack up some rushing yards. . Bobby Slowik is the offensive coordinator, and his history is a run-heavy approach, with the QB using a roughly even split between run/passing.
Quarterback: Malik Willis: He’s been in the NFL since being a third-round pick in 2022, drafted by the Titans to replace Ryan Tannehill. Just because he’s mostly been a backup doesn’t mean that he’s not good enough to start. In 2023, he was traded to the Packers to back up Jordan Love, and he immediately helped when he started three games in 2024, winning crucial matchups while completing over 74% of his passes. He also posted a highly efficient 2025 campaign, throwing three touchdowns with zero interceptions. He also contributes with his legs. I believe he will be a revelation in 2026, but the rest of the Dolphins’ roster won’t be able to support him enough to reach the playoffs.
Wide Receivers: The Dolphins’ wide receiver room has more questions than any other group on the team. At this time, it looks like third-year receiver/returner Malik Washington will most likely get the most targets. He’s been in the league for two years and has only three more NFL touchdowns than I have. Last season, he had 46 receptions. It looks like he’ll be the YAC guy underneath. He doesn’t have enough playing time to get any reliable consistency data. The next two WRs look to be rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell. Douglas is likely to be the Z receiver. He’s got 4.39 speed and an incredible 6’8″ wingspan. He’s going to be their down the sideline blazer and the go up and get it guy in the endzone. Chris Bell was also drafted in the 3rd round this year. At 6’6″ and 258 lbs, he’s a big, strong dude. He’ll likely be the outside receiver opposite Caleb Douglas. He’s likely to help block when the team runs sweeps to his side. He might also be a short-yardage endzone target for Willis. This group has potential, but it depends on Malik Willis. I anticipate the Dolphins as a whole will be one of the lower-scoring teams in the league this year.
Running Back: We all know the answer to this. Dev’on Achane has no worries about anyone else cutting into his share of carries. In this year’s Consistency guide projection, he ranks as the 7th RB, which probably makes him a late first/early second pick in your draft. With the passing game likely to be less prolific with Malik Willis, I can see Achane getting lots of check-downs. He has the potential for a ton of usage in the game plans. If he stays healthy, he’s likely to have a big year, although touchdowns might be low overall for the offense. Jaylen Wright is likely to get usage when Achane needs a rest. If Achane gets hurt, Jaylen Wright will be a star. He’s got the build and speed to be a very good NFL running back.
Tight End: Greg Dulcich is likely to be the Fins’ starting tight end. Because the Dolphins’ wide receiver room lacks both stars and depth, Greg Dulcich may get an opportunity to have a larger role this season. He won’t be your starting tight end, but if you roster a second TE, Dulcich could be a solid choice.
The Dolphins organization as a whole is undergoing drastic reform, and there have been significant changes almost everywhere. They are likely to start off slowly. Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Greg Dulcich are the most likely to be fantasy useful. If you’re desperate in a dynasty or 16-team league, take a flyer on Malik Willis as your third QB.
