The Miami Dolphins had been holding out hope that Anthony Weaver might land the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching job - not just for the prestige, but because it would’ve brought them two third-round compensatory picks under the NFL’s diversity hiring initiative. But when the Cardinals went with former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur instead, Miami pivoted quickly. Within moments of the announcement, the Dolphins named Sean Duggan - most recently the linebackers coach for the Green Bay Packers - as their new defensive coordinator.
The timing wasn’t subtle. Green Bay had already filled Duggan’s old role, and Miami’s announcement came so swiftly that it was clear Duggan was likely their guy all along. They were just waiting to see if Weaver would get the Arizona job before making it official.
With Mike McDaniel no longer the Dolphins’ head coach, Weaver’s future in Miami was always going to be uncertain. And sure enough, by Monday afternoon, he was moving on - but not without landing on his feet.
Anthony Weaver lands in Baltimore as new defensive coordinator
Just two days after Miami made Duggan’s hire official, the Baltimore Ravens announced Weaver as their new defensive coordinator under recently appointed head coach Jesse Minter. And if it feels like a full-circle moment, that’s because it is.
Weaver’s NFL journey started in Baltimore. The Ravens drafted him back in 2002 with the 52nd overall pick, and he went on to start 54 games for them as a defensive end.
Fast forward nearly two decades, and he returned to the organization in 2021 as the defensive line coach and run game coordinator, later earning a bump up to assistant head coach. Now, he’s back once again - this time, to lead the defense.
It’s worth noting that Minter has already made it clear he’ll be calling the defensive plays in 2026. That doesn’t diminish Weaver’s role, though.
His experience, leadership, and rapport with players make him a valuable voice in the room. And while he’s still chasing that elusive head coaching opportunity, this is another major step forward in his coaching career.
A look back at Weaver’s Miami tenure - and what he was up against
Weaver’s lone season as Miami’s defensive coordinator was a mixed bag, but context matters. His first stint as a DC came in Houston back in 2020, and it didn’t go well - the Texans were 30th in total defense and dead last against the run. So when the Dolphins brought him in, there were fair questions about what he’d bring to the table.
But the version of Weaver Miami got was more seasoned. His time in Baltimore clearly sharpened his approach, and despite a depleted roster, the Dolphins’ defense often played better than expected. The unit regressed from its top-five finish in 2024, yes - but that drop-off wasn’t entirely on Weaver.
The front office didn’t exactly stack the deck in his favor. Miami went young on the defensive line, drafting three tackles in 2025.
Their cornerback room was in rough shape until the late addition of Rasul Douglas in August. In short: Weaver was working with a patchwork group, and the inconsistencies that followed were almost inevitable.
Still, the defense had its moments. And for all the ups and downs, most Dolphins fans would probably agree - things could’ve been a lot worse.
A fresh start in a familiar place
Now, Weaver returns to Baltimore - a city and organization that knows him well. He’s not a head coach yet, but this move keeps him firmly in the conversation. Baltimore’s defense has long been a calling card, and if Weaver can help maintain that standard while continuing to grow as a leader, he’ll be right back in the mix when the 2027 hiring cycle rolls around.
For now, he’s got a new challenge in a familiar setting. And if his past few years are any indication, he’s more than ready for it.