Jeff Hafley is keeping Malik Willis as the Miami Dolphins’ starting quarterback despite the team’s 0-5 start.
Asked Monday whether he was considering turning to Kyle McCord against the New York Jets after Miami’s bye week, Hafley said no.
“We’ve played five games, and Malik is our quarterback,” Hafley said.
The answer gives Miami a clear direction at its most scrutinized position following Sunday’s 31-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It also means the Dolphins’ immediate response to their offensive problems will involve trying to improve with Willis still leading the unit.
Hafley did not dismiss the need for that improvement. He acknowledged Willis’ struggles while emphasizing that responsibility extends beyond the quarterback.
“Malik needs to be better, but that’s not the headline. We all need to be better,” Hafley said.
Jeff Hafley identifies what Malik Willis must improve
Monday’s assessment included specific concerns about how Willis processes passing plays. Hafley acknowledged that Willis needs to improve his progressions and decision-making, while also pointing to the need for better coordination with receivers on their routes.
Those are connected problems for Miami’s coaches to address. The quarterback needs to recognize his options and make timely decisions, but evaluating a failed pass also requires knowing whether the intended receiver carried out the correct assignment.
Ball security is another priority. In his postgame assessment Sunday, Hafley highlighted Miami’s three turnovers and said the staff would use the bye to examine how it prepares Willis to protect the ball.
That review includes the coaching. Hafley said the plan and execution both needed work, placing the staff’s decisions under scrutiny alongside the players’ performance.
The Dolphins did get production from their running game against Cincinnati. Ollie Gordon II finished with 18 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown.
His latest outing followed the Minnesota performance that strengthened his case for a bigger backfield role.
That gives Miami a productive part of the offense to build around as it works on the passing game. It has not yet been enough to deliver a victory.
Dolphins leave other bye-week changes open
Hafley’s answer about Willis was more definitive than his response about changes elsewhere. The coach would not give a yes-or-no answer on possible broader changes while evaluations continued during the bye.
Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley did not rule out the possibility of other major, wholesale changes on the bye. He didn't want to say yes or no as things will continue to be evaluated over the idle week. https://t.co/h0P5Je5dQR
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) October 12, 2026
That leaves room for adjustments, but it does not establish that a particular player will lose his job or that a coaching change is coming. Hafley has identified the quarterback he plans to keep starting while leaving other decisions unsettled.
Willis also acknowledged Sunday that Miami needs to address recurring problems. In his postgame interview, he described a need to compare game execution with practice and determine which assignments players are comfortable handling.
The Dolphins next play at the Jets on Oct. 25. Willis will have the bye to work on the issues Hafley identified before getting another opportunity to help Miami earn its first win.
