So, you're looking for the Miami Dolphins kickoff time. You’ve got the snacks ready, the jersey is on, and you’re scrolling through the guide. But there’s a bit of a snag.
The Miami Dolphins do not play today, January 17, 2026.
I know, it’s a bummer. Especially when you see "Dolphins" listed on sports apps today and get your hopes up. Here is the deal: while there is a team called the Dolphins playing a big game today, it isn't the squad from South Florida. The University of Mount Saint Vincent Dolphins (UMSV) are taking the court for a basketball matchup at 12:00 PM ET.
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If you were looking for Tua, Tyreek, and the NFL crew, their season actually wrapped up a couple of weeks ago.
Where did the Miami Dolphins go?
The NFL regular season ended on January 4, 2026. For Miami fans, it was a rough finale. They traveled up to Foxborough and took a 38-10 beating from the New England Patriots. That loss pushed their final record to 7-10.
Honestly, the math just didn't work out. To make the playoffs in the AFC this year, you basically needed to be hovering around nine or ten wins. Finishing third in the AFC East behind the Patriots and the Bills meant the Dolphins were mathematically eliminated before the postseason even started.
Today is actually Divisional Round Saturday in the NFL. While the Dolphins are watching from home, the schedule is packed with heavy hitters.
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: 4:30 PM ET (CBS/Paramount+)
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: 8:00 PM ET (FOX)
It’s weird seeing the Bills in that 4:30 slot knowing Miami usually fights them for that turf, but that's just how the 2025-2026 cycle shook out.
The "New Coach" waiting game
Since the Dolphins aren't playing today, the real "game" is happening in the front office. The team has been busy. They recently hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as the new General Manager, and the rumor mill is spinning at high speed about who will take over the head coaching duties.
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You’ve probably heard the names. John Harbaugh is the big fish everyone is talking about. There are reports the team has officially reached out. If you’re a fan, this is actually more important than a January game because it determines if the 2026 season ends in the playoffs or another early January exit.
What to watch instead of the Dolphins
If you still need your football fix today, focus on the AFC Divisional matchup between the Bills and Broncos. It’s a classic "cold weather" game at Empower Field at Mile High. Since Buffalo is a division rival, most Fins fans will be watching just to see them lose.
Why the confusion happens
Search engines and sports tickers often get tripped up by the name. If you see "Dolphins vs. USMMA" or "Dolphins vs. Manhattanville," remember that's college hoops, not the NFL.
Moving forward to the 2026 season
Since the Dolphins' season is over, the focus shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. The team has some massive decisions to make regarding the roster. Tua Tagovailoa is under contract through 2028, but with a 2026 cap number of $56.4 million, the front office has to build carefully around him.
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They did sign some interesting talent toward the end of the year, like rookie running back Donovan Edwards. He showed some flashes in that final game against New England. Watching how these young guys integrate into the new system—whenever a coach is hired—is the next big milestone for the franchise.
Actionable steps for Dolphins fans:
- Check the coaching search updates: Keep an eye on local Miami beat writers for news on the John Harbaugh interview.
- Watch the Bills-Broncos game: This game at 4:30 PM ET determines who moves on in the AFC, directly impacting the division Miami plays in.
- Monitor the 2026 Draft Order: Now that the season is over, Miami’s draft position is locked in, and mock drafts are already starting to project offensive line help.
The Dolphins might not be on the field today, but the work to get them back into the January schedule for next year is already starting in the front office.