You're looking for the kickoff. I get it. You’ve got the snacks ready, the jersey is probably on, and you’re scrolling through your TV guide or sports app wondering why on earth the Dolphins aren't listed for today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, the answer isn't what any Phinfan wants to hear.
What time is the dolphin game on today? It isn't. Not today, not next week, and not until the 2026 preseason kicks off later this summer.
The Miami Dolphins are currently in the thick of a massive organizational rebuild. While the NFL Divisional Round is happening right now—with the Texans taking on the Patriots and the Rams facing the Bears—the Dolphins are watching from the couch. Their season ended a few weeks ago after a 10–38 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 18, leaving them with a 7–10 record.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. Especially when you see divisional rivals like the Patriots still playing for a chance at a ring.
The Search for a New Leader in Miami
If you were hoping to see Mike McDaniel on the sidelines today, you missed the news. The Dolphins moved on from McDaniel on January 8, 2026. He’s out after four seasons.
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Owner Stephen Ross and the newly hired General Manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, are currently deep in the "interview phase." They aren't game-planning for a playoff opponent; they are game-planning for the next five years of the franchise.
Just yesterday, January 17, reports confirmed the team interviewed four major defensive coordinators:
- Chris Shula (Rams)
- Anthony Campanile (Jaguars)
- Robert Saleh (49ers)
- Jesse Minter (Chargers)
It’s a weird time to be a fan. You want to know the game time, but instead, you're looking at coaching bios. Saleh is the only one in that bunch with actual head coaching experience, which would be a pivot for Ross, who usually goes for the "fresh face" coordinator type.
Where the Dolphins Stand Right Now
So, why did the season fall apart? The Dolphins finished 3rd in the AFC East.
They had some bright spots, sure. Tua Tagovailoa is still under contract through 2028, but his future is the biggest talking point in South Florida right now. With a $56.4 million cap hit looming for 2026, the front office has some terrifying math to do.
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Then there's the roster. You've got guys like Jaylen Waddle and De'Von Achane who are absolute stars, but the consistency just wasn't there in 2025. The team actually started the season 1–7. They fought back, but you can't dig a hole that deep in the NFL and expect to be playing football on January 18.
Current Playoff Schedule (For Those Still Watching)
If you just need a football fix today, here is who actually is playing:
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Kickoff was at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN/ABC.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
Watching the Patriots host a playoff game while the Dolphins are interviewing assistant coaches is... well, it's classic Dolphins luck.
What Happens Next for Miami?
Basically, the "game" has moved from the field to the front office.
The 2026 NFL Draft is the next big milestone. The Dolphins currently hold the 11th overall pick. That’s high enough to land a franchise-altering player, but not quite high enough to grab a top-tier quarterback without trading up.
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There is also the "Tua Question." Some analysts, like Nic Rohloff from Dolphins Today, are suggesting a radical "perfect offseason" that involves moving on from Tua and even Tyreek Hill to clear space. That feels extreme, but after another losing season, everything is on the table.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
Since you aren't watching a game today, here is how you can actually stay plugged in:
- Track the Coach Search: Keep an eye on Jon-Eric Sullivan’s movements. The hire will likely happen before the end of January.
- Watch the Senior Bowl: It starts in early February. Since the Dolphins have the 11th pick, this is where you'll see their potential future stars.
- Cap Space Monitoring: Sites like OverTheCap will show you how the Dolphins manage that massive Tua contract.
It sucks that there is no game today. But the moves made in the next three weeks will determine if we're asking "what time is the dolphin game on today" this time next year—or if we're still just checking the draft order.
Check the local Miami sports radio or official team socials for the announcement of the new head coach, which is expected any day now.