NFL Rumors on Dolphins' John Harbaugh Pursuit, Troy Aikman's Involvement in HC Search

The Miami Dolphins are the latest team to reportedly begin their pursuit of the top head coaching candidate on the market.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins have reached out to former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to express their interest in him. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the Dolphins also plan to speak with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, while NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported they requested to speak with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula is also being sought after for an interview, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

According to Pelissero, former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski will interview for the job on Tuesday.

Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman is reportedly poised to continue aiding the Dolphins as they fill leadership positions within the organization as well.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Aikman will work "in a similar capacity" with the Dolphins in their head coaching search after serving as a consultant during their general manager search.

Aikman will assist Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, who he played a role in the Dolphins hiring this week.

Miami became the most recent NFL team to fire its head coach, as it parted ways with Mike McDaniel on Thursday.

McDaniel spent four seasons as the Dolphins' head coach, posting a 35-33 record with two playoff appearances, but they missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons and finished 7-10 in 2025.

While the decision to fire McDaniel may have been surprising to some, the most shocking firing was undoubtedly that of Harbaugh.

Harbaugh was one of the longest-tenured head coaches in NFL history, spending the past 18 seasons in Baltimore. Harbaugh went 180-113 with 12 playoff appearances, and he guided the Ravens to a Super Bowl win in 2012.

However, the Ravens went 8-9 and missed the playoffs this season, and it happened in heartbreaking fashion.

During the final game of the regular season, the Ravens faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in a winner-take-all game for the AFC North title. The Ravens drove into field goal range with seconds remaining, but rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal that would have won the game and the division.

The Ravens subsequently fired Harbaugh, making him the most desirable head coaching candidate available.

While the Dolphins are reportedly now throwing their hat in the proverbial ring for Harbaugh, it appears as though they will have plenty of competition.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported this week that "just about every team" with a head coaching vacancy has interest in Harbaugh. That includes the New York Giants, who are "all-in" on Harbaugh, and the Atlanta Falcons, who have become "increasingly interested."

As they search for their next head coach, the Dolphins will receive a helping hand from a legendary quarterback and highly respected figure in the football world.

Aikman was a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys before getting elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Since 2001, Aikman has been a color commentator for NFL games, and he remains in that role today, announcing Monday Night Football on ESPN alongside Joe Buck.

While Aikman does not work for the Dolphins in an official capacity, he has a valued opinion in football circles, which is likely why the organization wants him involved in the decision-making process, just like he was with the GM search.