The Miami Dolphins have officially set their new leadership by appointing Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley as the general manager and head coach, respectively. As they embark on reshaping the team’s roster, they have made significant hires, including Kyle Smith as the assistant general manager and Chris Tabor as the special teams coordinator.
Kyle Smith, who is 41 years old, joins the Dolphins after serving as the assistant general manager for the Atlanta Falcons for the past three seasons. His tenure with the Falcons coincided with a substantial franchise restructuring, which included the departures of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Prior to that role, Smith was vice president of player personnel in Atlanta and ascended through various positions during his decade-long career with Washington. Though he had a brief playing career as a wide receiver, he did not secure a position on the active rosters of the Minnesota Vikings or Tampa Bay Buccaneers before moving on to play in NFL Europe, the Arena Football League, and the Canadian Football League. In his new role, Smith will support Sullivan in building a competitive Dolphins roster.
Chris Tabor, at 54 years, marks the first official hire on Hafley’s coaching staff. Tabor brings extensive experience, having most recently served as the special teams coordinator for the Buffalo Bills last season. Following the recent shakeups in Buffalo after the firing of head coach Sean McDermott, Tabor is well-acquainted with the AFC East. His previous roles also include special teams coordinator positions with the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and Cleveland Browns, where he was even the interim head coach for the Panthers at the close of the 2023 season. Tabor’s hiring brings a fresh perspective to a unit that has seen multiple special teams coordinators in recent years, following Craig Aukerman and Danny Crossman.
As the Dolphins move forward, these strategic hires indicate a commitment to strengthening the team and enhancing its competitive edge in the league. There is optimism surrounding the future of the Dolphins as they aim to foster a robust coaching and management structure. The Dolphins will keep fans updated as they continue to finalize their coaching staff and prepare for the upcoming season.