The Miami Dolphins are in the midst of a major defensive overhaul, and their latest move signals they’re eyeing one of the league’s rising minds in the trenches. According to reports, the Dolphins have interviewed Eagles defensive line coach and senior defensive assistant Clint Hurtt for their vacant defensive coordinator position.
Hurtt’s name carries weight, especially after what he helped build in Philadelphia this past season. In just one year with the Eagles, he played a pivotal role in developing one of the most disruptive interior defensive line units in the league.
Under his guidance, Jalen Carter blossomed into a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in his first season as a full-time starter. Jordan Davis, meanwhile, took a massive leap forward, and Moro Ojomo quietly turned in a breakout campaign with six sacks - the seventh-most among all defensive tackles in the league.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. The Eagles were one of only three teams this season to feature three interior linemen with at least three sacks, a testament to both the talent on the roster and the coaching behind it. Hurtt’s fingerprints were all over that success.
For the Dolphins, this interview comes at a turning point. After two seasons with Anthony Weaver calling the shots on defense, Miami is expected to make a change. Weaver, who took over for Vic Fangio (now Hurtt’s boss in Philly), isn’t expected to return with Jeff Hafley stepping in as the new head coach.
Hurtt’s potential return to South Florida would be something of a homecoming. A former defensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes, he knows the area well - and he’s built a résumé that’s hard to ignore.
His NFL journey began with the Chicago Bears in 2014 on Marc Trestman’s staff, where he worked alongside familiar names like Sean Desai and Mike Groh. He stuck around through the John Fox era before heading to Seattle, where he spent five years under Pete Carroll as assistant head coach and defensive line coach.
He eventually earned a promotion to defensive coordinator, holding that role for two seasons before joining the Eagles.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are facing the possibility of losing more than just Hurtt. Earlier this week, the Cowboys hired Christian Parker, Philadelphia’s defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator. That’s two highly respected defensive minds potentially walking out the door in the same offseason.
Depth on the Eagles’ defensive coaching staff could be tested if Hurtt departs. The team currently doesn’t have an assistant defensive tackles coach. Jeremiah Washburn handles the edge rushers, while Tyler Yelk and Tyler Scudder serve in more general defensive assistant and quality control roles, respectively.
As for the Dolphins, the need for a fresh defensive voice is clear. After ranking 10th in total yards allowed and 4th in points allowed back in 2024, Miami’s defense took a significant step back this season - finishing 24th in points allowed and 23rd in yards. Injuries played a role, but the regression was sharp enough to prompt change.
Weaver, for his part, remains in the mix for several high-profile jobs. A former second-round pick of the Ravens, he’s interviewed for head coaching positions with the Falcons, Steelers, Bills, and Cardinals this cycle. If he doesn’t land a top job, he’s also considered a strong candidate to become John Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator with the Giants.
For now, all eyes are on Miami’s next move. If they believe Hurtt can bring the same energy, development, and production he fostered in Philly, he could be the spark the Dolphins' defense needs to bounce back in 2026.