As the NFL coaching carousel spins into high gear this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves not only searching for a new defensive coordinator but also working to keep their current staff intact. While the Cowboys are narrowing down their DC candidates after parting ways with Matt Eberflus, the Miami Dolphins are eyeing Dallas’ sideline for potential additions to Jeff Hafley’s new staff.
According to reports, Miami has requested permission to interview Cowboys assistant special teams coach Carlos Polk for their special teams coordinator role. The Dolphins appear ready to make a shift in that department, especially with current coordinator Craig Aukerman already taking an interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hafley seems intent on bringing in his own people, and Polk has emerged as a name of interest.
Polk joined the Cowboys for the 2025 season, and his impact was felt right away. Dallas ranked 13th in the league in special teams EPA (expected points added), with standout performances from return specialist KaVontae Turpin and kicker Brandon Aubrey-both of whom earned Second-Team All-Pro honors. The Cowboys also finished second in the NFL in kickoff return yards with over 2,000, a testament to both Polk’s coaching and the unit’s execution.
Before landing in Dallas, Polk built a résumé that spans multiple organizations, including the Bears, Chargers, Jaguars, and Buccaneers. That league-wide experience, combined with his recent success in Dallas, makes him a compelling candidate for a Dolphins team looking to retool its special teams under a new regime.
But Polk isn’t the only Cowboys assistant drawing attention from Miami. Quarterbacks coach Steve Shimko could also be on Hafley’s radar.
The two have history-Shimko served under Hafley at Boston College in a variety of roles, including tight ends coach, quarterbacks coach, and eventually offensive coordinator. His steady rise at Chestnut Hill, with more responsibility each season, suggests a coach who earned trust through performance.
Since joining the Cowboys, Shimko has followed a similar upward trajectory. In just two seasons, he went from offensive assistant to quarterbacks coach, a move that signals confidence from Dallas offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Shimko’s work with the offense, paired with the unit’s strong 2025 showing, underscores his value-and why the Dolphins might be interested in bringing him aboard.
For Dallas, the timing of this potential poaching isn’t ideal. While they’re focused on filling the defensive coordinator vacancy, they may also need to fend off interest in key offensive and special teams assistants. Hafley is building out his staff in Miami, and if conversations go well, Dallas could see multiple coaches heading to South Beach.
In short, the Cowboys' offseason isn’t just about who’s coming in-it’s also about who might be walking out the door.