The Miami Dolphins have undergone significant changes this offseason, with a complete overhaul of their coaching staff following a disappointing end to the previous campaign. After parting ways with head coach Mike McDaniel, the organization moved swiftly to install former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as the new leader on the sidelines. Hafley has since been busy assembling his staff, most notably retaining Bobby Slowik as offensive coordinator after promoting him from his previous role as pass-game coordinator. However, one critical position remained in limbo for weeks, creating uncertainty about the team's defensive direction for the upcoming season.
The defensive coordinator role became a waiting game for the Dolphins' front office, and for good reason. Anthony Weaver, who had served as the team's defensive play-caller for the past two seasons, was actively interviewing for head coach vacancies across the league. This situation presented Miami with a unique opportunity under the NFL's Rooney Rule, which would have awarded the franchise two third-round draft picks as compensation if Weaver had been hired as a head coach elsewhere. The rule, designed to promote diversity in leadership positions, provides draft capital to teams that develop minority coaches and executives who subsequently become head coaches or general managers elsewhere.
Weaver's two-year tenure in Miami precisely met the eligibility requirements for this compensation, making him a valuable asset beyond his on-field strategic contributions. The Dolphins stood to gain significantly from his departure, potentially adding premium draft selections that could accelerate their rebuilding efforts. However, as the coaching carousel spun to its conclusion, Weaver found himself without a head coaching job, leaving Miami empty-handed in terms of draft compensation.
During his first season with the Dolphins in 2023, Weaver demonstrated immediate impact, transforming a defense that had previously struggled into a respectable unit. The team climbed from ranking 22nd in points allowed per game to a much-improved ninth position, surrendering just 21.4 points per contest. This dramatic statistical improvement suggested that Weaver had successfully implemented his defensive philosophy and maximized the talent on the roster. The progress was particularly encouraging given the challenges of installing a new system and establishing credibility with veteran players.
Despite the statistical improvement, cracks began to show beneath the surface. Starting safety Jordan Poyer publicly voiced concerns about the defensive scheme, creating controversy within the organization. In a candid interview with the Go Long Newsletter, Poyer expressed frustration with the complexity and communication issues plaguing the unit. "I didn't understand our defense. Nobody understood our defense," Poyer stated, highlighting a disconnect between the coaching staff's vision and player comprehension. He elaborated on the mental toll, explaining, "I can understand concepts of how an offense is trying to attack us — but if I don't know where the guy next to me knows where he's supposed to go? It's draining. It took a lot out of me. Mentally, physically, emotionally." This public criticism from a respected veteran raised questions about whether the statistical improvements masked deeper systemic problems.
Nevertheless, Weaver's reputation remained strong enough to generate interest from teams seeking new head coaches. He interviewed for multiple vacancies during the offseason, positioning himself as a candidate ready to make the leap from coordinator to head coach. The Dolphins organization, while supportive of his aspirations, also understood the potential windfall his departure would create. As the hiring cycle progressed, Miami waited patiently, knowing that each interview represented a chance to secure valuable draft capital.
Unfortunately for both Weaver and the Dolphins, the remaining head coaching positions were filled by other candidates, closing the door on the Rooney Rule compensation opportunity. Teams opted for alternative choices, leaving Weaver to return to Miami for what would become his final season with the franchise. The disappointment of missing out on head coaching opportunities may have contributed to the challenges that followed.
The 2025 season proved far less successful for Weaver's defensive unit. After the promising start in his inaugural campaign, the defense regressed significantly, finishing among the bottom-10 teams in points allowed. The statistical regression was stark and concerning for a team with playoff aspirations. When pressed about the poor performance, Weaver pointed to circumstances beyond his control, specifically citing roster construction and timing issues. "We need these people to be brought together earlier than they were," Weaver explained, referencing players who joined the team late in the offseason. He noted that many contributors arrived at the start of training camp or dealt with injuries that limited their practice time, preventing the defense from building necessary cohesion. "A lot of the growth we were trying to do as a defense occurred early in the season," Weaver acknowledged, suggesting that the unit was essentially using regular season games as practice time.
The defensive coordinator also emphasized the challenges of implementing a youth movement while simultaneously trying to win games. "When you combine that with the youth movement we were trying to make, that's what's going to happen early," Weaver stated, defending his approach while acknowledging the growing pains. He expressed optimism that the unit had begun to gel later in the season, noting, "I think eventually it started to click for all of them in terms of what the expectation and what we were trying to get done." However, the damage to his reputation had been done, and the front office was no longer willing to invest in his vision.
The decision to move on from Weaver ultimately stemmed from a combination of factors. The hiring of Hafley, a defensive-minded head coach with his own philosophical approach, made Weaver's continued presence less tenable. Additionally, the public criticism from players, the statistical regression, and the missed opportunity for draft compensation created a perfect storm that sealed his fate. The Dolphins now face the challenge of finding a new defensive coordinator who can align with Hafley's vision while maximizing the talent on a roster that underperformed last season.
For Weaver, the future remains uncertain. While his first year in Miami demonstrated his potential as a strategist, the second-year regression and public criticism have raised questions about his readiness for head coaching responsibilities. He will likely need to rebuild his reputation as a coordinator elsewhere before receiving another opportunity to lead a franchise. The NFL's coaching carousel is unforgiving, and missed opportunities can have lasting consequences on career trajectories.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, must regroup and refocus their efforts on building a competitive defense under new leadership. The loss of potential draft picks stings, but the organization cannot dwell on what might have been. Instead, they must prioritize finding a coordinator who can communicate effectively with players, implement a sustainable system, and deliver consistent results. The upcoming season will serve as a critical test for Hafley's leadership and the front office's ability to assemble a coaching staff capable of maximizing the roster's potential.
In professional football, coaching changes are inevitable, but the circumstances surrounding Weaver's departure highlight the complex interplay between performance, opportunity, and organizational strategy. The Dolphins' gamble on waiting for Rooney Rule compensation did not pay off, leaving them to navigate yet another transition on the defensive side of the ball. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Miami to see how quickly they can install a new defensive system and whether the players can embrace yet another change in leadership.