The NFL head coaching cycle is far from over. Following the Miami Dolphins’ firing of Mike McDaniel on Thursday, 25% of the league now has a head coach opening.
The Dolphins moved on from McDaniels after four seasons, and within minutes, former Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was already linked as a potential candidate by several NFL insiders.
As of last night, the Miami Dolphins had had no contact with John Harbaugh or his camp, per sources.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 8, 2026
I'd expect that to change.
And if you're connecting dots, Chad Alexander (interviewing for Dolphins GM job) has a long history with Harbaugh from their Baltimore days.
It's worth mentioning that the Dolphins put in five GM requests on Monday. The one on Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander didn't go in until Tuesday—the day John Harbaugh was let go in Baltimore. Miami owner Stephen Ross has a lot of history with the Harbaugh family. …
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 8, 2026
With John Harbaugh available, and #Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' ties to the family, he now looms as a key candidate for Miami. A reason to fire a coach, with the thought that they could get Harbaugh.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2026
The Ravens fired Harbaugh on Tuesday after he spent 18 seasons with the franchise, and he instantly became the best candidate available in the cycle. The New York Giants are reportedly “all-in” on Harbaugh, and even seven NFL teams had inquired about his availability just an hour after he was fired.
The Dolphins link is evident, and one of the four GM finalists for Miami is Los Angeles Chargers assistant Chad Alexander, who spent time with Harbaugh in Baltimore.
ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington also said the Dolphins have yet to be in contact with Harbaugh.
“I’m told the Dolphins have not yet been in touch with John Harbaugh or anyone in his camp, and people close to the decision are adamant this decision to move away from McDaniel is independent of Harbaugh’s availability.”
Of course, things could change on that front, especially if Alexander gets the GM job in Miami and advocates for Harbaugh to come to South Beach.
