Cowboys Could Lose Key Assistant to Dolphins After Jeff Hafley Head Coaching Hire

The Dallas Cowboys may soon face an unexpected coaching challenge in the aftermath of the Miami Dolphins’ head coaching decision. While Miami’s reported hiring of Jeff Hafley initially appeared straightforward, early indications suggest the move could have ripple effects that extend all the way to Dallas.

According to Dolphins insider Chris Kouffman, one name to closely monitor is Cowboys quarterbacks coach Steve Shimko, who could emerge as a leading candidate for Miami’s offensive coordinator position in 2026.

Jeff Hafley’s Hire Could Reshape Miami’s Coaching Staff

Miami reportedly finalized Jeff Hafley as its next head coach on Monday. Hafley, most recently the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator, is expected to serve as the Dolphins’ defensive play caller, leaving a significant opening on the offensive side of the ball.

With the Dolphins in need of an offensive coordinator, Hafley may turn to trusted connections from his previous stops—and Shimko fits that profile perfectly.

Kouffman fueled the speculation with a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“If the Dolphins hire Jeff Hafley then I’d be on the lookout for Steve Shimko as potential Offensive Coordinator, perhaps Tem Lukabu or Sean Duggan as Defensive Coordinator.”

That message immediately caught the attention of Cowboys fans and league observers.

Steve Shimko’s Strong Ties to Jeff Hafley

Shimko’s professional relationship with Hafley dates back to Boston College, where the two worked together for four seasons. During that time, Shimko steadily climbed the coaching ladder, progressing from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator under Hafley’s leadership.

Those shared years could prove influential as Hafley assembles his first NFL head coaching staff. New head coaches frequently prioritize familiarity and trust when making early hires, especially for pivotal roles like offensive coordinator.

Shimko joined the Cowboys after his stint at Boston College, continuing his upward trajectory in the NFL.

Rising Role With the Dallas Cowboys

Shimko has spent the past two seasons on the Cowboys’ offensive staff under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. He joined the organization in 2024 as an offensive assistant before earning a promotion to quarterbacks coach in 2025.

That promotion coincided with one of the most productive passing seasons of Dak Prescott’s career.

In 2025, Prescott:

• Led the NFL in completions (404)

• Ranked third in passing yards (4,552)

• Finished fourth in passing touchdowns (30)

This production came despite Dallas operating a balanced offense, with a rushing attack that ranked ninth in the NFL at 125.6 yards per game. Shimko’s work with Prescott has not gone unnoticed around the league.

Miami’s Quarterback Situation Presents a Challenge

If Shimko were to join the Dolphins, he would inherit a far more complex quarterback situation than the one he worked with in Dallas.

Miami benched Tua Tagovailoa late in the season, turning instead to rookie Quinn Ewers, creating uncertainty around the franchise’s long-term direction at the position. Stabilizing that situation would be one of the most pressing responsibilities for any incoming offensive coordinator.

Still, there is optimism that Shimko could replicate some of the success he helped engineer with Prescott. The Cowboys quarterback rebounded strongly in 2025 after a difficult 2024 campaign, which included:

• An 11–8 touchdown-to-interception ratio

• A 64.7% completion rate

• A 41.9 QBR

• A season-ending hamstring tear suffered in Atlanta

That turnaround has bolstered Shimko’s reputation as a developer and teacher.

Competition for Offensive Coordinator Jobs Remains Fierce

Despite his connections, Shimko is not considered a lock to land an offensive coordinator role this offseason. The market is crowded with high-profile candidates, including former head coaches Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll, as well as Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.

Former Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is also widely viewed as one of the top OC candidates available, making the competition even stiffer.

Because of that, league insiders believe Shimko’s most realistic path away from Dallas would be Miami—or nowhere at all.

One Other Possible Landing Spot

Outside of the Dolphins, the Seattle Seahawks represent the only other plausible destination. Shimko spent two seasons in Seattle as an offensive assistant from 2017 to 2018 under then-head coach Pete Carroll.

That possibility would only materialize if Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak were to land a head coaching job elsewhere—an outcome that remains uncertain.

Likely Outcome: Shimko Stays in Dallas

Unless Jeff Hafley aggressively pursues him for Miami’s offensive coordinator role, the prevailing expectation around the league is that Steve Shimko will remain with the Cowboys.

Dallas values continuity on offense, and Shimko’s growing role with Prescott and the quarterback room makes him an important piece of the organization’s long-term plans.

Still, coaching carousels move quickly in the NFL. And if Hafley chooses familiarity as he builds his Dolphins staff, the Cowboys could find themselves searching for a new quarterbacks coach sooner than expected.