Dolphins coaches laud Malik Willis’s leadership ahead of season opener
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and quarterback coach Bush Hamdan highlight the energy and dedication of the March signing, who replaces Tua Tagovailoa in the starting lineup.
The Miami Dolphins have completed a significant shift in their roster construction this offseason, with the most consequential change occurring at the quarterback position. The team has swapped out Tua Tagovailoa for Malik Willis as the starting quarterback, a move that follows Willis’s arrival in March on a three-year contract. Prior to joining Miami, Willis spent two years with the Tennessee Titans and one year with the Green Bay Packers.
While the broader squad has had limited exposure to the practice field, Willis has already garnered substantial attention from the coaching staff for his conduct and attitude. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik described the new quarterback as a talented individual capable of throwing and running effectively, but noted that his personal energy has been the most impactful aspect of his early tenure. Slowik stated that Willis is "really fun to be around" and "infuses everybody with a lot of energy."
Quarterback coach Bush Hamdan echoed these sentiments, emphasising Willis’s commitment to preparation and community engagement. Hamdan described Willis as typically being the first person in the building and the last to leave. He also highlighted Willis’s authenticity, noting that he is "normally the one pushing to do the right thing" within the community and is regarded as a genuine human being who cares deeply for his teammates.
Hamdan further noted that Willis’s leadership extends beyond self-interest, driven by an understanding that such opportunities in professional sport are rare. The quarterback coach observed that Willis has done a "tremendous job of rallying the guys," uniting players regardless of their position or background. This cohesion is viewed as a critical factor as the team prepares to start the season.
Although Willis has not yet had the opportunity to take live reps with the team, his work ethic and leadership qualities have been sufficient to impress the staff in the interim. The Dolphins made several other roster changes during the offseason, but the appointment of Willis as the starting quarterback remains the most impactful personnel decision to date.
