As we navigate the midseason stretch of 2024, the Miami Dolphins’ defense is proving to be a formidable force on the field. The architect behind this defensive renaissance?
Anthony Weaver. And with success comes attention – the kind that might see Weaver packing his bags at season’s end.
His former mentor, John Harbaugh, has been singing his praises, hinting that Weaver’s rise to head coach candidacy isn’t just possible but probable, possibly sooner than Miami fans would hope.
If the Dolphins maintain their current defensive prowess and edge back into the Wild Card conversation, expect Weaver’s name to populate the shortlist for head coaching vacancies across the league. He’s not just another cog in the coaching machinery; he embodies charisma, grit, and deep tactical wisdom. His rapport with players has not gone unnoticed, with Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post recently highlighting Weaver as a hot commodity in the coaching rumor mill.
The NFL has been trending toward hiring coaches who once donned jerseys themselves, and Weaver fits that mold perfectly. But should the Dolphins face the dilemma of a Weaver departure, their search for a new defensive mastermind might be more of a reintroduction than a hunt.
Enter Robert Saleh. Recently dismissed from his head coaching role with the New York Jets, Saleh remains an intriguing option.
His close friendship and previous collaboration with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel make him a logical contender to step into this pivotal role.
While Saleh’s tenure with the Jets was marred by offensive woes, which were outside his purview, his prowess in shaping strong, disciplined defenses is well documented. His teams have consistently played with vigor and tactical discipline when he had his fingerprints on the defense. Though he’s not actively seeking a role in 2024 and could be eyeing head coach opportunities in the years beyond, Saleh’s potential move to Miami is one to watch if Weaver exits.
As we glance toward 2025, it’s evident the coaching carousel will kick into high gear as soon as this season hits its final whistle. Dolphins fans should buckle in because if their defense continues this upward trajectory, Weaver might find himself in a different shade of team colors next season.