Dolphins Eyeing John Harbaugh as Coaching Candidate

No state income taxes, nice weather, and the chance to select a general manager—those are pretty compelling reasons for John Harbaugh to consider coaching the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins are currently in the market for a head coach and a general manager, which could give them an edge in attracting Harbaugh, the former Ravens coach. If he were to move to Miami, he could have a say in choosing the GM who will manage player acquisitions.

Chad Alexander, the Chargers’ assistant GM, is reportedly a finalist for Miami’s GM role. Interestingly, he and Harbaugh have a past connection from their time together in Baltimore.

After firing Mike McDaniel following a four-year stint, the Dolphins became the eighth NFL team to have a coaching vacancy. There were no updates on whether Miami had reached out to Harbaugh by Wednesday night, but they intend to do so soon.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that Miami and the Falcons are the only two teams among the eight with openings for both a head coach and a general manager. This unique situation may appeal to candidates like Harbaugh, who would likely prefer to work with a GM they have chosen themselves.

Comparatively, if the Giants end up hiring Harbaugh, he would have to work alongside Joe Schoen, which might complicate things. Harbaugh has options; the Dolphins will soon finalize their GM hire, and Alexander is one of four contenders for that role.

Alexander’s resume is impressive; he spent two decades in Baltimore, ascending from assistant player personnel to assistant director of pro personnel. In 2008, he joined the Ravens with Harbaugh, and together they clinched a Super Bowl title during the 2012 season. In 2019, he transitioned to the Jets.

While Miami boasts some front office advantages, concerns linger about their quarterback situation. Tua Tagovailoa’s future is uncertain, and the Dolphins’ lineup isn’t looking particularly strong, putting them in a rebuilding phase.

This season, the Dolphins finished with a 7-10 record, placing third in the AFC East, and they hold the 11th pick in the draft. They seem to be in a weaker position than in recent years.

At 63, Harbaugh will need to carefully weigh how much rebuilding effort he wants to take on in this stage of his career.