The Miami Dolphins are deep into their head coaching search, and while the process is far from over, a potentially seismic development has emerged: Matt LaFleur’s future in Green Bay is reportedly “up in the air.” And if that door cracks open, the Dolphins might just sprint through it.
So far, Miami has checked off a few key interviews. They’ve spoken virtually with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and sat down in person with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Most recently, they completed an interview with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. But none of those names move the needle quite like LaFleur.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there’s currently no deal in place between LaFleur and the Packers, and no signs that an extension is imminent. That’s not nothing. In fact, it’s exactly the kind of uncertainty that could open the door for a team like Miami to make a bold move.
Let’s be clear: landing LaFleur would be a franchise-altering win for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross - easily the biggest coaching hire of his tenure. And for new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who’s just getting started in the role, bringing in LaFleur would be a home run in his first major decision. The two already know each other well from their time together in Green Bay, which would give Miami a rare advantage when it comes to aligning coaching philosophy with front office vision - especially when it comes to roster construction, draft strategy, and free agency.
Of course, the Dolphins aren’t alone in their pursuit of a high-profile head coach. Jim Harbaugh is still a major player in this cycle, but Miami is trailing in that race.
The Falcons, Titans, and Giants are all reportedly ahead in the Harbaugh sweepstakes, and he just met with the Giants on Wednesday. If he signs somewhere soon, it could trigger a domino effect across the league - and Miami will need to be ready.
That’s why the LaFleur situation is so intriguing. If the Packers and LaFleur decide to part ways, Green Bay could look to trade him rather than release him outright.
That complicates things. The Dolphins do have draft capital to work with, but they’re also in the middle of a roster retool.
Giving up a first-round pick - or anything close - would be a tough pill to swallow for a team trying to fix multiple holes, including questions at quarterback and a tight cap situation.
Then there’s the other side of the equation: would LaFleur even want the job? Miami’s roster has talent, no doubt, but it’s also in flux.
The quarterback situation remains unsettled, and the cap sheet isn’t exactly flexible. If LaFleur has options - and he likely will - the Dolphins will need to sell him on the long-term vision.
Still, when a proven offensive mind like LaFleur becomes even a remote possibility, you don’t sit back. You explore every angle.
You make the calls. You find out what it would take - and whether the pieces could actually fit.
For now, the Dolphins’ coaching search continues. But if LaFleur’s name stays in play, this process could get very interesting, very quickly.