The NFL coaching carousel of 2025 is already spinning, and it’s just landed Ben Johnson, the high-flying former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, in the head coach position for the Chicago Bears. This strategic hire by the Bears not only eliminates one of the vacancies on the carousel but also sets off a chain reaction that could significantly impact the coaching landscape, notably for the Miami Dolphins.

Johnson’s leap to the head coaching ranks was anticipated by many, given his buzzworthy offensive strategies with the Lions that had teams like the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars lining up for a shot at him. Interestingly, the Raiders, who were reportedly eager to bring Johnson on board, now find themselves on the outside looking in after the Bears acted boldly and swiftly. All of this tangentially touches Tom Brady, a part-owner of the Raiders, as he sees the franchise miss out on one of the top coaching prospects.

So, how does this ripple through to the Dolphins? Enter Anthony Weaver, who is currently on deck for a second interview as the defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints.

With the Jets potentially zeroing in on Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Weaver’s stock as a candidate elsewhere might be rising. If Weaver finds a new home, the Dolphins will need to look for fresh leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

One name buzzing around is Robert Saleh, renowned for his defensive acumen.

Saleh, while on Miami’s radar, is also catching the attention of multiple teams still on the hunt for head coaches, including the Jaguars and possibly even the Raiders. With Ben Johnson’s decision setting off this domino effect, teams will likely feel a heightened urgency to lock in their coaching choices as the pool shrinks.

The journey for Miami becomes particularly interesting. They must navigate the swell of coaching moves actively, as potentially losing Weaver means they’d need to swiftly and smartly fill his shoes, ideally with someone like Saleh—if they can get to him before other contenders do. This situational awareness could also dictate Miami’s future success on the field, making this coaching shuffle far more than just an administrative exercise.

In sum, the dominoes have started to tumble with Ben Johnson’s hiring in Chicago. This move, though occurring miles away from Miami, holds significant implications for the Dolphins and underscores the interconnected nature of the NFL’s behind-the-scenes strategizing. As the coaching carousel continues to turn, Miami and the rest of the league must stay vigilant, strategic, and ready to act.