The Miami Dolphins have completed an interview with Kevin Stefanski for their head coach position. The meeting took place in person on Tuesday. Stefanski met with team officials as part of their search for a new leader. This comes after the Dolphins let go of their previous coach last month. They aim to find someone who can turn around a tough season.
Stefanski is 43 years old. He coached the Cleveland Browns for six seasons until they fired him last week. His record there was 45 wins and 56 losses. He won NFL Coach of the Year twice, in 2020 and 2023. Those awards came after leading the Browns to the playoffs.
He started with the Vikings as an assistant before taking the top job in Cleveland. His style focuses on offence, with strong running games and play-action passes. He comes from the coaching tree of Mike Shanahan and Gary Kubiak.
The Dolphins set up the interview quickly. NFL reporters Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport broke the news first. Miami has talked to other candidates too. They met with Seattle’s offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, over the weekend.
The team wants a coach who fits their young quarterback and fast offence. Stefanski has worked with different quarterbacks in Cleveland, from Baker Mayfield to Deshaun Watson. That experience could help in Miami.
Stefanski has been busy this week. He interviewed with the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens already. The Dolphins are one of seven teams looking for a head coach this offseason.
They finished the 2025 season with a losing record and missed the playoffs again. Owner Stephen Ross wants change. He hired a new general manager last month to lead the search.
Fans in Miami seem split on Stefanski. Some like his track record with tough teams. Others worry about his time in Cleveland, where injuries and quarterback issues hurt the team.
Posts on social media show excitement for a proven coach. One fan said he could fix the run game right away. Another pointed out his playoff wins as a plus.
The Dolphins play in the tough AFC East. They face the Bills, Jets, and Patriots twice a year. A new coach needs to build a defence too. Stefanski focused on balance in Cleveland. He hired good coordinators and let them work. In Miami, he might do the same. The team has talent like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on offence. But the line needs work.
No word yet on when Miami picks their coach. They plan more interviews this week. Defensive coordinators like Patrick Graham from the Raiders are on the list. John Harbaugh is talking to other teams, but the Dolphins showed interest. The search could wrap up by next week.
Stefanski grew up in Philadelphia. He played college football at Penn. His dad worked in the NBA. He started coaching young and rose fast. In Minnesota, he handled quarterbacks and tight ends. That helped him land the Browns job at 37.
This interview marks a key step for Miami. They want someone ready now. Stefanski brings that. But other teams want him too. The Falcons interviewed him Monday. He could pick a spot with cap space and picks.
Dolphins fans wait for news. The team posts updates on their site. More talks happen soon. This hire shapes the next few years. Stefanski said little after leaving Cleveland. He thanked fans there. Now he looks ahead. If Miami calls, he might take it.
The NFL coaching cycle runs hot in January. Teams move quickly before free agency. Miami sits in a big market with warm weather. That draws coaches. No deal yet. But the interview went well, sources say.
