Kevin Stefanski is currently one of the hottest names in the NFL coaching market. Following his dismissal from the Cleveland Browns earlier this month, the two-time AP Coach of the Year has been meeting with several teams. Most recently, as per recent reports by NFL insider Adam Schefter, he completed an interview with the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday to discuss their head coaching vacancy. 

The meeting is a significant step as the Dolphins look for a fresh start on its sidelines. Since he departed from Cleveland, Stefanski has been in high demand, already interviewing with the Giants, Raiders, Titans, Ravens, and Falcons. 

Despite the Browns’ 45–56 record during his six-year tenure, Stefanski remains a highly sought-after coaching candidate. His success in leading Cleveland to two playoff appearances, combined with his two Coach of the Year awards in 2020 and 2023, makes him a premier choice for teams in need of a proven leader.

It is important to note that Kevin Stefanski is just one of several candidates the Miami Dolphins are considering for their head coaching vacancy. By Wednesday, the team had already conducted seven interviews as they searched for a new leader. While many experts view John Harbaugh as the premier choice in this year’s coaching market, Stefanski has quickly emerged as the next most popular name in the conversation.

The Dolphins are being very thorough in their search, and the timing of their meeting with Stefanski was strategic. Since he is currently a free agent, he is one of only three candidates allowed to interview in person before January 19th. Other top targets are still coaching in the NFL playoffs, which means they are restricted to virtual interviews for the time being. 

Interestingly, despite their high profiles, the Dolphins have not yet officially requested interviews with John Harbaugh or Mike McCarthy.

For Stefanski, the goal is to return to the sidelines immediately rather than taking a season off. This would also be a major win for his former team, the Cleveland Browns; if he secures a new job as a head coach or coordinator right away, the Browns would no longer be responsible for paying out his remaining contract.

The Miami Dolphins’ decision to fire Mike McDaniel

Last week, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel after the team failed to make the playoffs for the second year in a row. The news was particularly shocking because McDaniel had told reporters just days earlier that he was helping the team find a new general manager.

Despite the sudden move, team owner Stephen Ross released a statement thanking McDaniel for his creativity and hard work.

“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change,” Ross said in a statement on Thursday. “I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward.”

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During his four seasons in Miami, McDaniel finished with a record of 35 wins and 33 losses. While he led the team to the playoffs during his first two years, they were knocked out in the first round both times. 

The last two seasons were much harder. In 2024, the team recorded a score of 8 wins and 9 losses. This year’s season ended with 7 wins and 10 losses after a loss to Pittsburgh during week 15 that officially ended their postseason hopes. This failure meant Miami has now gone 25 years without a playoff victory, which is the longest active drought in the NFL.

The decision to make a managerial change from the owner’s side seems to be the team’s messy finish to the season, which also included the benching of star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. 

After four years under McDaniel, the Dolphins are now looking for an entirely new leadership team to try to turn the franchise around.