Dolphins Announce 2026 Coaching Staff
The Dolphins announced their 2026 coaching staff under new head coach Jeff Hafley last week with a number of previously unannounced hires on the list.
On offense, Miami added tight ends coach Ron Middleton and retained assistant TEs coach Lemuel Jeanpierre, and assistant wide receivers coach Jonathan Krause.
Middleton did not coach in 2025, but previously served as the tight ends coach for the Jets (2021-2024), Jaguars (2013-2020), and Buccaneers (2004-2006) with stints at Alabama and Duke between 2006 and 2013. A former tight end himself, Middleton spent a decade in the NFL with 118 appearances and 56 starts. He primarily featured as a blocker and won a Super Bowl with Washington in 1991.
Jeanpierre spent the last six seasons working with the Dolphins’ offensive line, with five years as an assistant and one leading the room in 2021. Like Middleton, Jeanpierre played in the NFL and won a Super Bowl (2013 with the Seahawks), though he lined up at guard, not the position he now coaches.
Krause has been with the Dolphins since 2023, first as an offensive assistant before he was promoted to his current role in 2024. He previously served as the wide receivers coach at UNLV (2021-2022) and San Diego State (2023), with earlier jobs at Vanderbilt and Oregon. Krause, a former wide receiver, also won a Super Bowl (2014 with the Patriots), though he only played in the regular season for the Eagles in 2015.
Kent State special teams coordinator/tight ends coach CJ Conrad is also expected to join Hafley’s staff, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. The former Kentucky tight end spent one training camp with the Giants before returning to his alma mater as a graduate assistant in 2020. He then moved to Eastern Kentucky as a tight ends coach in 2023 and landed his job at Kent State last year.
The Dolphins’ new defense staff includes assistant defensive backs/nickels coach DeShawn Shead and quality control coach Siriki Diabate.
Shead was a member of the Legion of Boom on the same Super Bowl team as Jeanpierre. After a seven-year playing career, Shead returned to Seattle in 2023 as an assistant defensive backs coach before taking the same position in Miami the following year. He will not add nickels coach to his title, continuing a trend of NFL teams hiring a dedicated coach for that specific position.
Diabate is getting his first full-time opportunity in the NFL after previous internships with the Bills, Cowboys, Eagles, and Packers. Diabate played at Syracuse and began his coaching career at his alma mater in 2013. He worked for Colgate from 2015 to 2017 before taking a linebackers coach jobs at Middle Tennessee (2017-2021) and UConn (2022-2025). At the latter stop, he had the additional title of run game coordinator.
Titans Move Roster To 53
The Titans have announced their final 53-man roster, moving from the 90-man limit down to the regular-season standard on Saturday. Here’s who Tennessee cut to get down to 53 (via Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com).
Cut:
- CB Manny Abad
- TE Jace Amaro
- DL Angelo Blackson
- NT DeAngelo Brown
- TE Jerome Cunningham
- QB Tyler Ferguson
- CB Demontre Hurst
- WR Darius Jennings
- S Denzel Johnson
- WR Jonathan Krause
- WR KeVonn Mabon
- OL Tyler Marz
- OL Josue Matias
- WR Tre McBride
- T Steven Moore
- RB Khalfani Muhammad
- WR Giovanni Pascascio
- T Jonah Pirsig
- RB Brandon Radcliff
- DE Cameron Robbins
- T Brad Seaton
- TE Tim Semisch
- G Jake Simonich
- CB Darrius Sims
- CB D’Joun Smith
- C Mark Spelman
- LB Justin Staples
- WR Eric Weems
- NT Antwaun Woods
- QB Alex Tanney
Waived/injured:
- FB Joe Bacci
- LS Ryan DiSalvo
- RB Akeem Judd
- DL Jimmy Staten
Placed on IR:
- WR Tajae Sharpe (story)
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/2/17
Here are today’s reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL. These deals will go into effect on the first day of the 2017 league year, with players joining their respective clubs’ offseason 90-man rosters.
Baltimore Ravens
- WR Kenny Bell
- OL Jarell Broxton
- RB Stephen Houston
- OL Jarrod Pughsley
- OL Matt Skura
- QB Dustin Vaughan
Carolina Panthers
- T Blaine Clausell
- DT Eric Crume
- WR Keyarris Garrett
- CB Tyler Patmon
- RB Jalen Simmons
- TE Scott Simonson
- T Pearce Slater
- T Tyrus Thompson
- TE Eric Wallace
NFL Workout Updates: 11/1/16
Tuesday is workout day in the NFL, and today was no different. Due to the sheer volume of today’s auditions, we’ll split up the reports by conference:
AFC
- The Dolphins worked out players on both sides of the ball. ESPN’s Adam Caplan tweets that the team auditioned running back Jonas Gray and defensive end Martin Ifedi.
- Besides signing Bishop Sankey, the Chiefs also worked out running backs Trent Richardson and Vick Ballard, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (via Twitter). Caplan tweets that the team also worked out defensive end Rakim Cox and wideout Marcus Johnson.
- The Colts worked out a trio of defenders today, according to Caplan (via Twitter): defensive tackle Jordan Hill, inside linebacker Nate Irving, and linebacker Danny Lansanah.
- Three offensive tackles worked out for the Jets, according to Caplan (on Twitter): Rob Crisp, Pierce Burton, and Jesse Davis.
- The Titans auditioned three wideouts and two guards, according to Caplan (on Twitter). Receivers Jeremy Ross, Dres Anderson, and Jonathan Krause were in for workouts, as were offensive guards Dallas Thomas and Josh LeRibeus.
NFC
- The Bears worked out a pair of defensive backs, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter): Rashaad Reynolds and Ryan White. The team also worked out former Patriots offensive lineman Bryan Stork, as well as running back Daniel Davie.
- Caplan reports (via Twitter) that the Lions hosted a number of players this afternoon: tight end Matthew Mulligan, linebackers Ben Jacobs and Trevor Bates, and cornerbacks Crezdon Butler and Jeremiah McKinnon.
- Three cornerbacks worked out for the Packers, according to Caplan (on Twitter): Duke Thomas, Cleveland Wallace, and Larry Scott.
- Before adding Vinnie Sunseri to the practice squad, the 49ers took a look at former Saints defensive back Marcus Ball (via Nick Underhill on Twitter). Caplan adds that the team also auditioned defensive tackle Lars Koht and defensive end Mike Rose.
- The Seahawks worked out cornerback Pierre Desir, reports Caplan (via Twitter).
Cardinals Place Jaron Brown On IR
The Cardinals have officially placed wide receiver Jaron Brown on injured reserve with a torn ACL, the club announced today. Arizona has not yet announced a corresponding roster move.
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Brown was thrust into a more prominent role yesterday as teammate John Brown was sidelined with symptoms stemming from sickle-cell trait. Serving as the team’s No. 3 wide receiver, Jaron Brown was forced to exit in the first half. If both Browns are out, then the team is left only with Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and J.J. Nelson at receiver. The Cardinals could promote receivers Marquis Bundy and/or Brittan Golden from the practice squad, but they could also look out-of-house for options.
Prior to suffering the injury, Jaron Brown had been a more prominent part of the Cardinals’ offense this season compared to previous years. Brown had already tied his 16-game reception total from last season (11) and amassed 22 targets – one fewer than his 2015 amount. He also averaged an impressive 17.0 yards per catch and added a touchdown over the Cardinals’ first seven games.
Now in need of a receiver, Arizona worked out free agents Aaron Dobson and Jonathan Krause today, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Dobson, 25, has seen two stints with Detroit this year but has yet to suit up for a game. The Cardinals also auditioned quarterback Mike Bercovici and linebacker Zaviar Gooden, per Florio.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/4/16
Here are today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: P Michael Palardy (Twitter link via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com)
- Cut: LB Davis Tull
Buffalo Bills
- Signed: WR Corey Washington
- Cut: WR Matt Hazel
Chicago Bears
- Signed: RB Raheem Mostert (Twitter link via Brett Tessler)
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OL Mike Liedtke (Twitter link via Tessler)
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: S Lee Hightower (Twitter link via Mike Chappell of FOX59)
New York Giants
- Signed: QB Logan Thomas
- Cut: LB Deontae Skinner
New York Jets
- Signed: S Ronald Martin
- Cut: FB Julian Howsare
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: DE James Cowser
- Cut: DL Demetrius Cherry, LB Darnell Sankey (Twitter link via Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com)
San Diego Chargers
- Signed: T Brett Boyko, LB Deon King, WR Kevin Norwood
- Cut: TE Austin Traylor
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: DE Sterling Bailey
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB Russell Hansbrough (Twitter link via Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times)
- Cut: WR Jonathan Krause (Twitter link via Auman)
Practice Squad Updates: 9/28/16
Today’s practice squad moves:
Chicago Bears
- Signed: LB Jonathan Anderson (Twitter link via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune)
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: OT Clay DeBord
- Cut: DE Chris McCain
Detroit Lions
- Signed: LB Zaviar Gooden (Twitter link via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: C Daniel Munyer
- Cut: WR Seantavius Jones (via Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star)
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: LB Darnell Sankey (via Scott Bair of CSNCalifornia.com)
New England Patriots
- Signed: DT Anthony Johnson (Twitter link via Doug Kyed of NESN)
- Cut: OT Ian Silberman (Twitter link via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com)
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Jon Halapio (Twitter link via James Kratch of NJ.com)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: WR Jonathan Krause (Twitter link via Roy Cummings of WFLA)
Practice Squad Updates: 9/22/16
We’ll keep track of today’s practice squad moves here:
Cleveland Browns
- Cut: P Michael Palardy
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: C Shane McDermott
- Cut: C Jake Brendel (Twitter link via Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News)
Denver Broncos
San Diego Chargers
- Signed: WR Isaiah Burse
- Cut: WR Jonathan Krause (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego)
Sunday NFL Transactions: AFC West
Listed below are the Sunday roster moves for the four AFC West teams. Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline yesterday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters, claiming players off waivers or signing guys who clear waivers. Those transactions for the Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers are noted below.
Additionally, as of 12:00pm CT today, teams can begin constructing their 10-man practice squads. You can check out our glossary entry on practice squads to brush up on those changes, as well as all the other guidelines that govern the 10-man units, whose players practice with the team but aren’t eligible to suit up on Sundays.
Here are Sunday’s AFC West transactions, which will continue to be updated throughout the day. All links go to Twitter unless otherwise noted:
Denver Broncos
- Signed to practice squad:
- RB Juwan Thompson (Link via Cameron Wolfe)
- CB Taurean Nixon
- DL Vontarrius Dora
- OL Justin Murray
- WR Mose Frazier
- S Ryan Murphy
- TE Henry Krieger-Coble
- C Dillon Day
- DL Kyle Kragen (Link via Mike Klis)
- WR Kalif Raymond (Link via Klis)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Claimed:
- LB Sam Barrington (Twitter link via Mike Florio of PFT)
- T Bryan Witzmann
- Waived:
- LB Ramik Wilson (Link via Adam Schefter)
- G Jordan Devey (Link via Terez A. Paylor)
- Signed to practice squad:
- WR Frankie Hammond (link via Aaron Wilson)
- ILB Terrance Smith (link via Terez A. Paylor)
- OL Jarrod Pughsley (link via Paylor)
- DL David King (Link via Paylor)
- S Shak Randolph (Link via Paylor)
- C Daniel Munyer (Link via Paylor)
- LB Tyrell Adams (Link via Paylor)
- WR Seantavius Jones (Link via Paylor)
- RB Darrin Reaves (Link via Paylor)
- S Brock Vereen (Link via Paylor)
Oakland Raiders
- Signed to practice squad:
- TE Ryan O’Malley (Link via Aaron Wilson)
- WR Jaydon Mickens (Link via Lars Hanson)
- OL Oni Omoile (Link via Zack Spears)
- WR K.J. Brent (Official announcement)
- CB Kenneth Durden (Official announcement)
- DL Branden Jackson (Official announcement)
- OG Denver Kirkland (Official announcement)
- LB Korey Toomer (Official announcement)
San Diego Chargers
- Claimed:
- DB Pierre Desir (Link via NFL Draft Diamonds)
- DT Caraun Reid (Link via Mike Florio of PFT)
- RB Andre Williams (story)
- Waived:
- CB Steve Williams (Link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com)
- LB Chris Landrum
- TE Asante Cleveland
- Signed to practice squad:
- LB Ben Gardner (link via Michael Gehlken)
- CB Trevor Williams (link via Michael Gehlken)
- WR Dom Williams (link via Michael Gehlken)
- S Adrian McDonald (link via Michael Gehlken)
- OT Austin Shepherd (link via Michael Gehlken)
- DT Kaleb Eulls
- TE Jake McGee (link via Gehlkin)
- WR Jonathan Krause (link via Gehlkin)
- LB Chris Landrum (link via Gehlkin)
- TE Asante Cleveland (link via Gehlkin)
Buccaneers Down To 53 Man Roster
The Buccaneers have trimmed down to 53 with more than 24 hours to go before the deadline. According to Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, the following players have been dropped from the roster: 
- CB Javien Elliott
- LB Luke Rhodes
- TE Dan Vitale
- DT Cliff Matthews
- S Kimario McFadden
- RB Russell Hansbrough
- WR Bernard Reedy (waived/injured, per Jenna Laine of ESPN.com on Twitter)
- LB Josh Keyes
- LB Jeremiah George
- LB Micah Awe
- C Ben Gottschalk
- RB Peyton Barber
- WR Kenny Bell (injured)
- WR Freddie Martino
- WR Jonathan Krause
- OL Josh Allen
- OL Kelvin Palmer
- OL Kyler Kerbyson
- DE Kourtnei Brown
- DE A.J. Francis
- DE Isaiah Johnson
- TE Kivon Cartwright (injured)
Among the cuts, Vitale’s is one of the most surprising. The Bucs are planning on carrying five tight ends, yet the sixth-round pick out of Northwestern apparently did not show enough to make the cut. The Bucs will have Cameron Brate, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Luke Stocker, Brandon Myers, and UDFA Alan Cross on the roster to open up the season instead. Myers and Cross were both considered to be on the bubble somewhat, but they have impressed Dirk Koetter & Co. to the point where they are going to carry five tight ends and bounce a sixth-round pick in order to keep both of them. Myers was inactive for the Bucs’ final five games of 2015 as a healthy scratch.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.