Jeff Hafley emphasizes the importance of De'Von Achane's fitness for upcoming challenges.

The Miami Dolphins are set to unveil a revamped offensive strategy in 2026, led by new head coach Jeff Hafley. In a recent interview on "The Rich Eisen Show," Hafley expressed his commitment to maximizing the potential of the team's standout running back, De'Von Achane, hinting at a significant increase in his workload this upcoming season.

Hafley revealed that he anticipates Achane could see the ball more than 40 times in certain games, emphasizing the need for the player to be in peak physical condition. "I just gave Achane a heads-up this morning and I told him, 'You better be in good shape,'" Hafley remarked. He humorously added that he might need to assist Achane back to the locker room due to exhaustion after such demanding performances.

Last season, Achane demonstrated his capabilities with a total of 305 touches, which included 238 carries and 67 receptions, marking a career high in his third year with the Dolphins. He consistently exceeded 20 touches in eight games, with a peak of 28 touches against the Buffalo Bills on November 11. Hafley is optimistic about Achane's expanded role, playfully instructing him to avoid signaling for breaks during games. "I told him, 'I don't ever want to see one of these head taps all year,'" Hafley recounted, to which Achane confidently responded that he would not signal for a break.

Historically, only five players have recorded 40 or more touches in a single regular-season game since 2010, with Derrick Henry being the most recent to achieve this feat in 2021. Last season, seven players managed 30 or more touches in a game, with Henry leading the league with 36 touches against the Green Bay Packers.

Achane's performance has been impressive, ranking eighth in the NFL with 586 touches over the past two seasons, and leading all running backs with 145 receptions during that time. With the departure of star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Achane is expected to become an even more central figure in the Dolphins' offense. Earlier this year, the team rewarded him with a lucrative four-year, $64 million contract extension, which includes $32 million guaranteed, signaling their intent to build the offense around him under the guidance of first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and new quarterback Malik Willis.

Despite the ambitious plans for Achane's usage, Hafley praised his intelligence and enthusiasm, noting, "He's one of the smarter players. When you talk to him ... he's really a smart football player, and it's fun to go back and forth with him. He's got this fun energy about him. I think he's a stud."