The Miami Dolphins are entering a new era under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, and the offensive philosophy centers squarely on their explosive running back. Appearing on Monday’s episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Hafley made it clear that De’Von Achane is going to be the absolute focal point of the team’s attack. The first-year coach joked about the physical toll the upcoming season might take on his star playmaker.
Jeff Hafley Outlines a Heavy 2026 Workload for De’Von Achane
“I just gave Achane a heads-up this morning and I told him, ‘You better be in good shape,’” Hafley said, per ESPN.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins head coach, via Sporting News and Bleacher Report
Hafley doubled down on the projection by adding that there might be some games when he has to pick him up and carry him back to the locker room because he’s going to be so tired. The remarks signal a distinct shift away from a distributed backfield toward leaning heavily on the franchise’s most dynamic weapon.
Building on a Breakout 2025 Campaign in Miami
The anticipated uptick in usage follows a stellar year where Achane totaled a career-high 305 total touches during his third season in 2025. According to NFL.com, those touches included 238 rushing attempts for 1,350 yards—marking the third-most ever by a Dolphins running back in a single season—alongside eight rushing touchdowns. He also led the entire NFL with 5.7 yards per carry while earning his first Pro Bowl selection. The former Texas A&M standout proved he could handle an increased workload, recording at least 20 touches in eight different games.
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Beyond his work between the tackles, Achane proved equally dangerous as a pass-catcher. He recorded 67 receptions for 488 yards and four additional scores through the air. As Sporting News notes, his busiest outing came against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 11, when he touched the football 28 times while serving as the centerpiece of Miami’s offense.
Navigating Offensive Uncertainty Around Malik Willis
The push toward a heavy workload for Achane also speaks to broader questions surrounding the rest of Miami’s offense. The team has significant questions about its weapons around new quarterback Malik Willis, alongside a wide receiver room that is an amalgam of questions, featuring third-round rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell (returning from injury) potentially earning significant roles. With tight end Greg Dulcich profiling for a big role but carrying an extensive injury history—backed up by rookies Will Kacmarek and Seydou Traore—there is rampant unknown throughout the offense. With these uncertainties, expect Achane to see the ball a ton, particularly early in the season.
“I told him, ‘I don’t ever want to see one of these head taps all year,’ and he looked me right in the eye and he said, ‘You’ll never get that head tap from me.’ I said, ‘Don’t worry buddy. After you touch the ball 40, 45 times, I might have to pick you up and carry you back into the locker room.’”
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins head coach, via Bleacher Report
For his part, Achane remains focused on maintaining his productive approach without altering his mindset. It’s the same thing. Nothing changes,
Achane said, as reported by NFL.com. I feel like, when you try to change stuff, it kind of sort of doesn’t go your way. But if you keep doing what you’re doing, keep doing what’s right and what’s good for you, it kind of falls in place.
