The Miami Dolphins head coaching search keeps on rolling along. Today, two more familiar names have entered the fray.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, the Miami Dolphins are set to conduct interviews with both Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and current 49ers defensive coordinator and former Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Jesse Minter has proven to be a hot commodity on the head coaching circuit, having already interviewed with the Browns, Falcons, Raiders, Titans, Ravens, and Cardinals. Meanwhile, Saleh has only garnered interest until now, as he and the 49ers are still in the playoffs.
Minter’s story is already very familiar around the NFL, as he has worked closely with the Harbaughs throughout his career. He was a defensive assistant under John Harbaugh from 2017 until 2020, when he moved to the college ranks to join Vanderbilt. After one season however, he joined Jim Harbaugh’s staff in Michigan before following him to the NFL to join the Chargers.
However, unlike Saleh, Minter has never been a head coach.
Two Different Paths to the Same Opportunity
Saleh has had a similar path to Minter, but has even more NFL experience. After serving as the head coach of the New York Jets for three years, he joined the Packers as an offensive consultant, crossing paths with Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan. Before his time with the Jets however, he had various positions around the league, making stops in Jacksonville, Seattle and Houston, before settling in San Francisco for his first stint as their DC.
Seeing as to how the Dolphins may have more ties to Robert Saleh, he could be the more likely candidate to be the next head coach for the team. However, he is not the odds-on favorite. Taht would be Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Hafley has already interviewed with the Dolphins yesterday. The team has also held an interview with former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski as well as current Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Defensive Success Driving the Dolphinsâ Interest
Minter however still has an impressive resume to consider and is the primary reason why eight NFL teams are clamoring for his services. In 2024, he turned a moribund Chargers unit into one of the best in the NFL. They ranked fifth in total yards allowed per game, ninth in points allowed per game, and were ultimately the best scoring defense that year.
He has also proven that he can be versatile in his scheme, using countless players to disguise certain looks and different personnel groupings to confuse offenses pre snap.
As for Saleh, his defenses, despite the teams he has coached, have consistently been top 10-15 units. Currently, he has a bruised and battered Niners defense playing like warriors, ranking 13th in fewest points allowed per game, and headed to the divisional round of the playoffs. Even with the Jets, he had them ranked top 5 in two seasons with them.
Either way, both candidates could bolster a Dolphins team that desperately needs a revamp.
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