The Miami Dolphins are making significant coaching changes, with some familiar faces departing and promising talent staying on board! It's a time of transition for the team, and while some roles are being redefined, the focus is clearly on building a strong future. Let's dive into who's staying and who's going.
Jon Embree Out, Austin Clark In: A Coaching Shake-Up
In a notable move, the Dolphins are parting ways with their tight ends coach, Jon Embree. While there were whispers that he might remain with the team under the new leadership, those rumors have been put to rest. Embree will not be a part of the upcoming coaching staff, marking an end to his tenure with the Miami Dolphins.
But here's where it gets exciting for the defense: The team is thrilled to announce that Austin Clark will be staying on as the defensive line coach. Clark has been a valuable asset to the Dolphins since 2020, initially serving as the outside linebackers coach. In 2021, he transitioned to his current role as defensive line coach, a position he's held under both former Head Coach Brian Flores and current Head Coach Mike McDaniel. Clark is widely recognized as a rising star in the assistant coaching ranks, having made substantial contributions to the defensive line's performance during his time in Miami.
And this is the part most people miss: The decision to retain Clark highlights the organization's commitment to nurturing developing coaching talent. His consistent performance and positive impact suggest he's a key piece in the team's defensive strategy moving forward.
A Familiar Face Returns, But With a Twist
Adding another layer to the coaching staff puzzle, reports indicate that Jeff Hafley is bringing Joe Barry back as the linebackers coach and run game coordinator. This move carries a touch of irony, as Hafley himself took over Barry's role as defensive coordinator in Green Bay back in 2024 after Barry was let go by the Packers.
Hafley is expected to finalize the remainder of his coaching staff by the end of this week. The current outlook for his team is as follows:
- Head Coach: Jeff Hafley
- Special Teams Coordinator: Chris Tabor
- Assistant Special Teams Coordinator: Darius Eubanks
- Offensive Coordinator: Bobby Slowik
- Quarterbacks Coach: Nate Hackett
- Running Back Coach: Ladell Betts
- Wide Receiver Coach: Tyke Tolber
- Offensive Line Coach: Zach Yenser
- Assistant Offensive Line Coach: Matt Applebaum
- Defensive Coordinator: Sean Duggan
- Defensive Line Coach: Austin Clark
- Assistant Defensive Line Coach: Chuka Ndulue
- Linebackers Coach/Run Game Coordinator: Joe Barry
- Assistant Linebackers Coach: Al Washington
- Defensive Quality Control Assistant: Wendel Davis
- Cornerbacks Coach: Jahmile Addae
- Secondary Coach: Ryan Downard
What do you think about these coaching decisions? Is retaining Austin Clark a sign of smart long-term planning, or do you believe Jon Embree deserved another chance? And how do you feel about Joe Barry returning to a staff led by the man who replaced him? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your take!
