MIAMI GARDENS, FL — The first major domino of the Jeff Hafley era has fallen, and it’s a direct strike against an AFC East rival. The Miami Dolphins are hiring former Buffalo Bills Special Teams Coordinator Chris Tabor to lead their special teams unit, stealing a veteran play-caller from a division foe just days after Buffalo’s coaching staff began to dissolve.
From Buffalo to South Beach
Adam Schefter broke the news Friday night, confirming that Tabor will stay in the AFC East but trade his parka for palm trees. This is a calculated move by new Head Coach Jeff Hafley. Tabor isn’t just a “safe” hire; he is coming off a stellar 2025 season where he engineered one of the league’s most dangerous return units.
While the Dolphins struggled to find consistency in the third phase last season, Tabor’s unit in Buffalo was electric. He coached running back Ray Davis to First-Team All-Pro honors as a kick returner, averaging a blistering 30.4 yards per return. Tabor’s ability to maximize talent was on full display in Buffalo, where his group ranked 9th overall by Pro Football Focus despite a roster constantly shuffled by injuries.
The Hafley Connection
This isn’t a blind date. Hafley and Tabor have history. The two overlapped in Cleveland during the 2014-2015 seasons—Tabor running special teams and Hafley coaching defensive backs. That existing chemistry likely fast-tracked this hiring process as Hafley scrambles to assemble his staff after being introduced as head coach earlier this week.
The move comes at a chaotic time for Buffalo. Following the firing of Sean McDermott on Monday, the Bills’ staff was left in limbo. Miami wasted zero time pouncing on the uncertainty, securing a coordinator who has also served as interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers (2023) and led units for the Bears and Browns.
“He’s battle-tested. You look at what he did with the Bills’ kicking game last year—using three different punters and still performing? That commands respect immediately.” — AFC Scout on Chris Tabor
AFC East Implications
This hire signals a shift in philosophy for Miami. The Dolphins finished 28th in special teams rankings last season, plagued by coverage breakdowns and penalties. By bringing in Tabor, Hafley is prioritizing discipline and splash plays in the return game. It also weakens a direct competitor; the Bills are now forced to rebuild their special teams room while simultaneously hunting for a new head coach.
Expect Tabor to immediately address Miami’s coverage lanes and look for a dynamic returner in the draft to replicate the success he had with Ray Davis. The AFC East arms race just got a little more personal.
