Full Breakdown
Miami Dolphins Strengthen Coaching Staff with New Additions
1/24/2026, 1:46:25 AM
Key Hires: Chris Tabor and Kyle Smith
The Miami Dolphins have announced significant changes to their coaching staff, hiring Chris Tabor as the new special teams coordinator and Kyle Smith as the assistant general manager. These appointments come as part of the Dolphins' efforts under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley to enhance their team structure.
Chris Tabor joins the Dolphins after serving as the special teams coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, where he had a notable impact on the team's performance. Tabor has over 25 years of coaching experience, beginning with the Missouri Tigers in 2000. His tenure with the Bills saw the team rank fourth in average yards per kick return at 27.9 yards, with backup running back Ray Davis earning first-team All-Pro honors for his performance. However, the Bills struggled with punt returns, averaging only 6.5 yards, despite allowing the fewest punt return yards in the league.
Kyle Smith, the new assistant general manager, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in the NFL. He is the son of former Chargers general manager A.J. Smith and has worked his way up from a scouting intern in Washington to vice president of player personnel. Most recently, he served in the same capacity with the Atlanta Falcons before joining the Dolphins. Smith will play a crucial role in decision-making, particularly with the Dolphins holding five picks in the top 100 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Jeff Hafley expressed his commitment to building a competitive team, stating his goal to finalize all primary coordinator hires swiftly. The Dolphins' front office is focused on making strategic decisions that will shape the team's future, particularly regarding player personnel and draft strategies.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Dolphins' new hires have been generally well-received, some analysts have raised concerns about Tabor's mixed results in Buffalo, particularly regarding punt returns. Critics argue that while he improved kick coverage, the overall performance of the special teams unit was inconsistent, which could pose challenges for the Dolphins moving forward.
What's Next
With the hiring of Chris Tabor and Kyle Smith, the Dolphins are poised to make critical decisions in the upcoming offseason, particularly regarding their kicking situation. Riley Patterson, who set a franchise record for accuracy last season, may face competition depending on Tabor's evaluation of the kicking game. Additionally, Smith will need to navigate the complexities of the upcoming draft and potential roster cuts, setting the stage for a pivotal offseason for the Dolphins.
