The Miami Dolphins have made significant moves this offseason in both their coaching staff and player roster. One of the most talked-about changes is the hiring of a new special teams coordinator, which has the potential to dramatically improve a unit that has faced ups and downs in recent years. Additionally, there’s been a lot of buzz around the young cornerbacks on the roster, with many wondering how they will contribute to the defense and what kind of impact they’ll have in the 2025 season. In this article, we’ll break down these developments, analyzing the coaching changes and what the future holds for the Dolphins’ cornerbacks.
Dolphins Hire New Special Teams Coordinator
The Miami Dolphins have always had a solid defense and a potent offense, but their special teams unit has been a bit of a mixed bag over the years. In the 2025 offseason, the Dolphins decided to make a change by hiring a new special teams coordinator. While the name of the new coach may not have the same cachet as some of the bigger names on the Dolphins’ staff, his reputation in the NFL suggests that he could make an immediate impact.
The new special teams coordinator comes to Miami with a reputation for building strong, disciplined units that excel in the fundamentals: blocking, tackling, and returning kicks and punts. Throughout his career, he’s worked with several teams, and his expertise in developing young talent has been well-documented. Given that the Dolphins have a relatively young roster, particularly on the special teams side, this could be a game-changer. His ability to develop raw talent into reliable contributors could pay immediate dividends, especially on coverage teams and return units.
One of the most notable changes under the new special teams coach will be a focus on consistency. The Dolphins have been inconsistent in key special teams phases in recent seasons, with coverage units allowing big plays and the return game often being underwhelming. With an emphasis on solid fundamentals, the new coach aims to address these issues by ensuring the team excels in areas that sometimes get overlooked. Expect a renewed focus on player development, with players on the bubble having a chance to make a mark on special teams as much as on offense or defense.
The special teams unit will likely also see some roster shake-ups, as the Dolphins aim to create better competition. Expect to see some of the young players—who might have limited roles on offense or defense—shine in special teams drills. These players, who may otherwise struggle to see regular snaps, will have an opportunity to carve out a niche for themselves on coverage units or in the return game. This will add depth to the roster, and special teams success could prove to be the difference in tight games this season.
In terms of strategy, the Dolphins’ new special teams coach is known for his aggressive playcalling. Whether it’s fakes, trick plays, or aggressive punt and kick coverage, the Dolphins could add a bit of flair to their special teams playbook. Expect to see some surprises and unpredictable moments that could change the course of games.
Young Cornerbacks on the Rise
While special teams have received attention in the Dolphins’ offseason plans, the development of their young cornerbacks is arguably one of the most exciting storylines heading into the 2025 season. The Dolphins have a handful of talented young cornerbacks, and how these players perform will have a significant impact on the team’s defense. With the NFL becoming more pass-heavy each season, having a strong, deep cornerback group is essential.
Key Players to Watch
One of the cornerbacks to watch closely is Elijah Campbell, who has emerged as a potential future starter. Campbell, while still raw in some aspects, has the size and athleticism to develop into a top-tier corner. He impressed in his limited appearances in the 2024 season and will be looking to take a step forward this year. His long arms, quick footwork, and ability to play both man and zone coverage give him a versatile skill set that the Dolphins’ defense can exploit.
Jalen Davis, another young cornerback, will also be an important figure in the secondary. Known for his quickness and his ability to disrupt passing lanes, Davis could become a key contributor in nickel and dime packages. If he continues to grow, he could challenge for a starting role, particularly if he proves he can handle physical receivers at the next level.
Perhaps the most exciting player to keep an eye on is Kader Kohou, a young cornerback with a lot of upside. He had a solid rookie season in 2024 and showed promise as a ball hawk with excellent route recognition and the ability to break on the ball quickly. Kohou’s ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball is something the Dolphins will want to nurture in 2025. If Kohou can take the next step in his development, he could make a real impact on the defense, either as a starter or in a rotational role.
Another player who could factor into the Dolphins’ secondary depth is Noah Igbinoghene. After a somewhat underwhelming start to his career, Igbinoghene showed flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick in 2020. He still has a lot to prove, but his physical tools—speed, size, and strength—are undeniable. A breakout year from Igbinoghene could help solidify the Dolphins’ cornerback room for the long term.
What to Expect
The Dolphins’ cornerbacks are likely to be tested early in the season. With offenses across the league relying heavily on wide-open passing attacks, the young cornerbacks will need to mature quickly. Expect the Dolphins to rotate players early on as they test different combinations and see which cornerbacks can handle starting duties in key matchups.
In terms of defensive philosophy, the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator is known for mixing up coverages and blitz packages, which will put a lot of pressure on the cornerbacks. Miami could employ more zone coverage at times, but they’ll also want to use press-man coverage to take away quick throws and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. The ability of these young cornerbacks to execute these schemes will be pivotal in determining the defense’s success.
Moreover, as the season progresses, expect the young corners to gain more confidence. The more they play in live game situations, the better they’ll understand how to read opposing offenses and how to adjust to the different wide receiver types they’ll face. This will be a trial-by-fire situation for most of these players, and some will rise to the occasion while others may struggle. But that’s part of the process of developing a solid secondary, and the Dolphins seem to have the coaching staff in place to help their cornerbacks grow.
The Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Dolphins have a promising group of cornerbacks that could form the backbone of their secondary for years to come. By allowing these young players to develop and gain experience, the Dolphins are positioning themselves well for long-term success in the secondary. Miami’s cornerback group may not be elite yet, but with the right coaching and some growing pains along the way, this unit has the potential to become one of the league’s better ones.
Conclusion
The Dolphins have made several key moves in their offseason plans, but the hire of the new special teams coordinator and the development of young cornerbacks will be critical storylines to follow throughout the season. The new coach’s focus on consistency and fundamentals could elevate a special teams unit that has had its share of struggles, while the young cornerbacks will be tested early as they grow into vital roles for the defense. As Miami seeks to improve in both areas, expect growing pains mixed with flashes of brilliance, with both the special teams and secondary likely to improve as the season progresses. The Dolphins’ success in 2025 could depend just as much on the development of their young players as it does on their established stars.
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