If you’re waking up this Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, and scrolling through your phone to find out who does the Miami Dolphins play today, I have some tough news for you.
They aren't playing. Not today. Not next week.
In fact, the Dolphins' pads are already tucked away in storage bins. Their season ended exactly two weeks ago in a cold, 38-10 drubbing at the hands of the New England Patriots up in Foxborough. While today marks one of the most exciting days on the NFL calendar—the Divisional Round of the playoffs—the Dolphins are spectators just like us.
Honestly, it's a bit of a gut punch for the 305. After a 7-10 finish, the franchise didn't just miss the playoffs; they hit the "reset" button in a massive way.
Why the Miami Dolphins schedule is empty today
The reason the "Who does the Miami Dolphins play today" query is coming up empty is because the team failed to secure a Wild Card spot. They finished third in the AFC East, watching the Bills and Patriots sail into the postseason while they stayed home.
The NFL is currently in the thick of the Divisional Round. Today, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, the schedule looks like this:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN)
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET on NBC)
If you're looking for local football action, Hard Rock Stadium isn't empty, though. It's actually the center of the sporting world right now, just for a different reason. The stadium is currently being prepped for the College Football Playoff National Championship game between Indiana and Miami (the Hurricanes!), which kicks off tomorrow night, Monday, Jan. 19.
The Mike McDaniel era is officially over
The biggest news surrounding the Dolphins right now isn't a game; it's the search for a new leader. Owner Stephen Ross made the call on January 8th to fire Mike McDaniel.
It was a move that divided the fanbase. Some fans loved the offensive creativity and the "vibe" McDaniel brought to South Florida. Others were fed up with the late-season collapses and the inability to win meaningful games when the temperature dropped below 50 degrees.
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Basically, the organization decided that "creative" wasn't enough anymore. They want "comprehensive change."
Who are the Dolphins interviewing to replace him?
Since they aren't playing today, the front office is busy in a suite somewhere conducting interviews. The "Head Coach Tracker" is the only scoreboard that matters right now. Here’s who they’ve been talking to:
- Chris Shula: This one feels like destiny, doesn't it? He’s the grandson of the legendary Don Shula and currently the Defensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. His defense was a top-10 unit this year.
- Anthony Campanile: A former Dolphins assistant who just led the Jacksonville Jaguars to an AFC South title as their DC. He knows the building and the roster.
- Robert Saleh: The former Jets coach. He’s a "culture" guy who might be the defensive-minded pivot the team thinks it needs to balance out the roster.
A look at the roster: What happened to Tua and the stars?
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. Tua Tagovailoa stayed healthy for the most part, but the consistency just wasn't there. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle still put up big numbers, but the offense felt "solved" by the time December rolled around.
The defense had bright spots. Zach Sieler and Bradley Chubb played like warriors. But the salary cap situation is, frankly, a mess. The Dolphins are facing some "cap hell" in the 2026 offseason, which might mean saying goodbye to some veteran favorites to get the books balanced.
It’s a weird time to be a Dolphins fan. You’ve got the talent, you’ve got the flashy stadium, but the results just haven't followed.
What should you watch today instead?
Since the Dolphins aren't on the field, your best bet is to tune into the AFC matchup between the Texans and the Patriots. It’s a bit salt-in-the-wound to watch New England in the Divisional Round after they crushed Miami’s slim playoff hopes in Week 18, but that's the NFL.
If you want to feel some hometown pride, gear up for the 'Canes game tomorrow. Seeing the U play for a National Championship at Hard Rock is about as good as it gets for Miami sports fans, even if the Dolphins are currently in "vacation mode."
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Actionable steps for Dolphins fans
While the team isn't playing, the offseason is when the real work happens. Here is how you can stay locked in:
- Monitor the Coach Tracker: Keep an eye on the official Dolphins news feed for the second round of interviews. Chris Shula is currently the name with the most "smoke" around it.
- Check the Mock Drafts: Miami will likely have a mid-round pick. With the quarterback situation always being a conversation and the offensive line needing help, the draft is where the 2026 season starts.
- The National Championship: If you're in Miami, expect heavy traffic around the stadium today and tomorrow. Even if you aren't a college football fan, the energy in the city is going to be electric.
The quest to find out who does the Miami Dolphins play today might end in disappointment for now, but the "offseason championship" is just getting started in Miami Gardens. Keep your eyes on the coaching search; that’s the real game being played this week.