Dolphins Special Teams Shakeup: Chris Tabor Hired as New Coach | NFL News (2026)

Get ready for some NFL coaching drama! The Dolphins have made a bold move, poaching a key special teams coach from a division rival.

Jeff Hafley, the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, has made his first significant hire, and it's a big one. He's brought in Chris Tabor, a highly experienced special teams coordinator, to join the team. But here's where it gets controversial: Tabor was previously with the Buffalo Bills, a direct competitor within the division.

Tabor's journey is quite the tale. He's been a special teams coordinator for four NFL teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and most recently, the Bills. His versatility and adaptability are impressive, having worked with different teams and coaches over the years. However, his most recent stint with the Panthers ended on a sour note, with a 1-5 record as interim coach after Frank Reich's dismissal.

At 54, Tabor is no stranger to the NFL, having worked his way up from a quarterback at Benedictine College to coaching at six universities before breaking into the league. He's now set to become the Dolphins' third special teams coach in three years, a position that has seen some turnover.

The Dolphins' special teams unit has had its fair share of challenges. Last season, they experienced several breakdowns, including a touchdown return by the Patriots in Week 2 and a costly penalty in a game against the Bills. Tabor's task is clear: to stabilize and improve this unit.

One of the key decisions Tabor will have to make is at kicker and punter positions. The Dolphins have options, but it's a crucial choice that could impact the team's performance.

This move by the Dolphins is a bold statement of intent. It shows they're willing to shake things up and bring in fresh talent, even if it means poaching from a rival.

And this is the part most people miss: special teams coaching is often overlooked, but it can make or break a team's success.

What do you think about this move? Is it a smart strategy to bring in an experienced coach like Tabor, or does it create unnecessary drama? Let's discuss in the comments!

Dolphins Special Teams Shakeup: Chris Tabor Hired as New Coach | NFL News (2026)

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