Houston, Texas – January 2026
A seismic coaching move is taking shape in the AFC, and it could reshape the conference heading into the 2026 season.
According to NFL Network insider reports, Matt Burke, the defensive coordinator of the Houston Texans, has completed a head coach interview with a conference rival and is expected to depart Houston after the playoffs.
That rival is the Miami Dolphins, who recently moved on from head coach Mike McDaniel as they begin a full organizational reset following a disappointing season.
Sources indicate Burke has emerged as a leading candidate for the Dolphins’ head coaching position, with a formal decision expected once Houston’s postseason run concludes.
The move would bring one of the NFL’s most respected defensive minds to Miami, just weeks after Burke capped another dominant season running the Texans’ defense.
Under Burke’s leadership, Houston finished the 2025 season ranked No. 1 in total yards allowed, No. 2 in points allowed, and among the league’s elite in takeaways, run defense, and coverage efficiency. His unit became the defining identity of the Texans’ resurgence and a central reason for their deep playoff push.
That dominance was on full display in the Wild Card round, when Houston dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers 30–6, with the defense scoring two touchdowns and overwhelming the game from start to finish.
Burke’s defenses have transformed the Texans over the past two seasons, turning a young roster into one of the most disciplined and feared units in football — making his potential departure a significant moment for the organization.
After parting ways with McDaniel, the Dolphins are seeking toughness, accountability, and a defensive backbone capable of stabilizing a talented but inconsistent roster. Burke’s name has gained traction inside league circles as a coach ready to lead an organization rather than just a side of the ball.
Though Burke has never served as an NFL head coach, sources around the league believe he is viewed very differently now — shaped by years of elite coordinator work and his role in building Houston’s identity alongside DeMeco Ryans.
The implications for the AFC are substantial.
If finalized, Burke would face his former team in future seasons, while the Texans would be forced to prepare for life without the architect of their defensive rise.
As Houston’s playoff journey continues, attention will remain fixed not only on the field — but on what appears increasingly inevitable once it ends.
If confirmed, Miami will have secured one of the NFL’s most respected defensive leaders.
And Houston will be closing a chapter that helped redefine the franchise’s foundation — just as the league takes notice of what comes next.
