Dolphins Secure Linebackers Coach Joe Barry with Extended Deal—What This Means for the Team’s Future!

Joe Barry is sticking around Miami — and trust me, that’s a move worth unpacking. The Dolphins just locked down their linebackers coach and run game maestro with a multi-year deal, signaling a blend of faith and strategy heading into the seasons ahead. Given Barry’s rollercoaster past—from commanding the Packers’ defense with mixed reviews to now shaping standout talents like Jordyn Brooks and De’Von Achane in Miami—it’s clear this isn’t your garden-variety coaching shuffle. New faces on the Dolphins’ sidelines might be shaking things up, but keeping Barry in his lane suggests there’s something special brewing with this guy. Curious about how this all fits together? LEARN MORE

The Miami Dolphins are re-signing linebackers coach and run game coordinator Joe Barry to a new multi-year contract, as per Ian Rapoport on X.

The #Dolphins have re-signed Joe Barry, their LBs coach and run game coordinator, to a new multi-year contract, source says. The long-time veteran teacher and former defensive coordinator will be a key voice for new DC Sean Duggan. pic.twitter.com/uD3WzOxNsG

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 2, 2026

In 2024, Barry was hired as the Dolphins linebackers coach and run game coordinator under former head coach Mike McDaniel.

Before that, Barry spent three seasons as the defensive coordinator of Green Bay Packers from 2021 to 2024. However, he has no experience working with new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and new defensive coordinator Sean Duggan. Hafley and Duggan arrived in Green Bay in 2024, directly after Barry’s departure from the team.

Barry was not the most popular coach in Green Bay, after three consecutive seasons of his defense finishing 13th, 10th, and 17th in points allowed.

Joe Barry was the D.C. of the 0-16 Lions, arguably the worst defense of the 21st Century.

Was fired 7 years later after just two bad seasons in WAS.

Hired another 5 years later because he was BRANDON STALEYS ASSISTANT.

And is now, for the 2nd straight year… Actively holding… pic.twitter.com/XJp7QRW23D

— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) December 17, 2023

But with the Dolphins, Barry’s work with the linebackers has been fantastic. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks had his first All-Pro season under Barry, and let the NFL in tackles. As run game coordinator, his impact on Miami’s running backs cannot be understated either. Running back De’Von Achane had a career year this past season, rushing for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the league in yards per carry (5.7).

As the Dolphins continue to make more coaching hires, Hafley is opting to keep Barry around in the same role for the time being.