The Buffalo Bills have a single focus this week in preparing for their Wild Card matchup with the red-hot Jacksonville Jaguars. But out of the corner of their eye, they might want to keep a lookout for the Miami Dolphins’ potential coaching search.
So far, the Miami Dolphins have stood firm on retaining head coach Mike McDaniel after he corrected course to finish the season with five wins in their final eight games. But then other teams began moving their coaches around, giving Miami something to think about.
The Dolphins have already moved on at general manager, and appear done with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, too. Now that ex-Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is a free agent, the Dolphins could opt for a full reset with one of the league’s top coaching candidates.
Buffalo Bills could see AFC East turn on its head with Dolphins' interest in John Harbaugh
According to NFL Insider Josina Anderson, the Dolphins “have been in touch” with Harbaugh as a potential replacement candidate. Included in Anderson’s report is that Harbaugh could bring along offensive coordinator Todd Monken if he takes the job in South Beach.
Of course, Harbaugh is one of the most decorated head coaches to become available in some time. In 18 years with the Ravens, Harbaugh took the Ravens to the playoffs 12 times and was one-and-done just three times. Of course, the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII in 2012 under his direction, as well.
It goes without saying, the Bills and the rest of the AFC East want no part of Harbaugh in the division. The Ravens finished second or better in the AFC North in all but four years under Harbaugh.
Still, Harbaugh didn’t inherit a full rebuild in Baltimore like he would if he went to Miami. The Dolphins need a lot of help, and with a reset at quarterback, it won’t be easy for Harbaugh to get the team back on track to compete with the Bills and New England Patriots at the top of the AFC East.
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Nonetheless, the interest Miami has in Harbaugh may not be enough. The New York Giants have been a heavy favorite to land Harbaugh since he was fired by Baltimore. The Giants are retaining general manager Joe Schoen and appear to have a starting quarterback in place with Jaxson Dart, giving New York a heavy edge in recruitment over Miami.
Still, if Harbaugh opts for New York over Miami, the interest shown to Harbaugh could still indicate a change from McDaniel if the Dolphins find a more suitable option. Either way, the Bills’ southern-most rival is bound for more change as the offseason begins to take shape around the NFL.