Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley is pushing back against the notion that the upcoming 2026 season is a rebuilding year for the team. Despite significant roster changes and a prevailing sentiment among analysts and fans that the Dolphins are starting fresh, Hafley stated that the team's focus is on competition and development.
"I don’t know how you can have a conversation with a competitive player or a competitive coach and have it sit right with them where we’re just going to say, ‘We’re just going to rebuild this year,'" Hafley told reporters ahead of the team's second training camp day. "I mean, that’s just not the mentality of any competitor who’s made it to this level or any coach that’s made it to this level. Whether it’s practice or whether it’s a drill. I think we all want to win. And our mindset is we need to get better."
The Dolphins concluded the 2025 season with a 7-10 record, and the new regime has parted ways with key players such as Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Tua Tagovailoa. These departures, coupled with significant salary cap allocations to former players—including $54 million for Tagovailoa—have fueled speculation about a deliberate reconstruction.
However, Hafley emphasized that the team's approach is centered on continuous improvement rather than conceding the season. "Everything we do is going to be about competing to get better throughout the process, and we want to win," he said. "So I just don’t think any player or any coach is going to sit here and say ‘I’m just going to throw in the towel and just rebuild.' That’s probably why no one’s hearing that. I think if you had a group of players saying that, then I think we’ve got the wrong players."
New general manager Jon Eric-Sullivan has focused on strengthening the team's offensive and defensive lines during the offseason. The Dolphins drafted offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor in the first round and extended the contract of center Aaron Brewer. The team also acquired former quarterback Mailk Willis to fill the role previously held by Tagovailoa, though the supporting cast is viewed by many as one of the weakest in the league.
Despite the challenges and the long-term aspirations of the new leadership, Hafley reiterated that the team's immediate goal is to compete in 2026.