The Dolphins are turning the page with a fresh leadership duo at the helm: Jon-Eric Sullivan takes over as general manager, and Jeff Hafley-formerly the Packers’ defensive coordinator-steps in as head coach. It’s a bold shift in direction following the departure of Mike McDaniel, and with the new regime now in place, the Dolphins are diving headfirst into building out their staff.
One of the first major pieces of that puzzle? The defensive coordinator position.
Enter Clint Hurtt.
Currently the defensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurtt is expected to interview for the Dolphins’ DC role. And if you’re wondering what he brings to the table, just look at what he did in his first season with the Eagles in 2024. Hurtt helped mold a young, hungry defensive front into the backbone of the league’s top-ranked defense-allowing just 278.4 yards per game-and played a pivotal role in Philly’s run to a Super Bowl LIX title.
Hurtt’s group of interior linemen didn’t just hold the line-they dominated. According to Pro Football Focus, the Eagles' defensive tackles led the NFL in both pass-rush grade (89.2) and pass-rush win rate (27.7%) during the regular season. That’s not just solid production-that’s elite disruption from the inside out.
Jalen Carter, the centerpiece of that unit, thrived under Hurtt’s guidance. The second-year standout earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors after leading the team in pressures (45), quarterback hits (career-high 16), and tackles for loss (career-high 12).
He also chipped in 4.5 sacks and forced two fumbles. That kind of all-around impact doesn’t happen by accident-it’s the product of talent meeting next-level coaching.
And Carter wasn’t the only one leveling up. Milton Williams had a breakout campaign of his own, finishing second among all NFL interior defensive linemen in PFF’s pass-rush grade (90.4) and third in pressure percentage (14.6%). Again, that speaks to Hurtt’s ability to develop and maximize his players, especially in the trenches where games are so often won or lost.
Before any hiring decisions are made, though, Hurtt will be on full display at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He’s set to coach the National Team, giving NFL decision-makers an up-close look at his leadership style and ability to work with top collegiate talent.
Practices run from January 27 to 29 at Hancock Whitney Stadium, with daily coverage on NFL Network and NFL+. The game itself kicks off Saturday, January 31 at 2:30 p.m.
ET.
The Senior Bowl has become a key proving ground-not just for players, but for coaches on the rise. Last year’s game produced 106 draft picks, including seven first-rounders and 50 selections in the top three rounds.
For Hurtt, it’s another chance to showcase his coaching chops on a big stage. For the Dolphins, it could be a preview of what’s to come.
If Miami is looking for a defensive mind who knows how to develop talent, generate pressure, and win at the highest level, Clint Hurtt checks all the boxes.