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There was a time during the Mike McDaniel era when it seemed the Miami Dolphins were finally getting their franchise on track, earning back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023 after making the postseason just twice in the previous 20 years.
But then, McDaniel posted back-to-back losing seasons, missing the postseason in both 2024 and 2025. And that was enough to cost him his job, with former Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley replacing him for his first opportunity as an NFL coach. So with new leadership in place and playoff history in their recent past, what is the ceiling (and the floor) for the Miami Dolphins in 2026?
Ceiling: 7-10
It's hard to see this situation getting much better than last year. The franchise does seem to have hope in Malik Willis at quarterback. He could be an upgrade from Tua Tagovailoa – he certainly looked that way when called upon in Green Bay, but he is also relatively unproven as a starter. But if he steps up to the occasion, and Hafley can do what he always does and put together a serviceable (if not good) defense, they can probably match last year's win total.
Floor: 2-15
There is a significant possibility that Willis proves that he is not cut out to be an NFL starter, and if we're being honest, there's not a ton of standout talent on this roster. Hafley has never been an NFL head coach and posted a 22-26 record in four years at Boston College during his only stint as a head coach at any level of football. The Dolphins may end up one of the worst teams in the league this season.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: What is the ceiling (and the floor) for the Miami Dolphins in 2026?
Continue reading...
But then, McDaniel posted back-to-back losing seasons, missing the postseason in both 2024 and 2025. And that was enough to cost him his job, with former Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley replacing him for his first opportunity as an NFL coach. So with new leadership in place and playoff history in their recent past, what is the ceiling (and the floor) for the Miami Dolphins in 2026?
Ceiling: 7-10
It's hard to see this situation getting much better than last year. The franchise does seem to have hope in Malik Willis at quarterback. He could be an upgrade from Tua Tagovailoa – he certainly looked that way when called upon in Green Bay, but he is also relatively unproven as a starter. But if he steps up to the occasion, and Hafley can do what he always does and put together a serviceable (if not good) defense, they can probably match last year's win total.
Floor: 2-15
There is a significant possibility that Willis proves that he is not cut out to be an NFL starter, and if we're being honest, there's not a ton of standout talent on this roster. Hafley has never been an NFL head coach and posted a 22-26 record in four years at Boston College during his only stint as a head coach at any level of football. The Dolphins may end up one of the worst teams in the league this season.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: What is the ceiling (and the floor) for the Miami Dolphins in 2026?
Continue reading...
