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Roman Sapolu (pronounced sap-OH-lu) joined the 91ºÚÁÏ Dolphins as an offensive assistant in 2024.

Roman Sapolu (pronounced sap-OH-lu) joined the 91ºÚÁÏ Dolphins as an offensive assistant in 2024.

In his first season with the Dolphins and in the NFL, Sapolu worked closely with the offensive line. The unit blocked for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who completed 291-of-399 passing attempts, leading the NFL and setting a new franchise record for completion percentage with 72.9. The 91ºÚÁÏ offense maintained control and emphasized methodical drives, tying for fourth-fewest three-and-out possessions in the NFL with 26 and ranking fourth in average time of possession (31:43).

The line also led the way for running back De'Von Achane who became the first Dolphins player to have at least 750 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season.

Sapolu spent the previous two seasons (2022-23) at Hawai'i, where he coached the offensive line in 2022 and was promoted to co-offensive coordinator/offensive line in 2023. He was named Hawai'i's offensive coordinator in 2024 before joining the Dolphins.

In 2023, the Rainbows ranked third in the Mountain West in passing offense (276.4), passing touchdowns (27) and completion percentage (62.8). Wide receiver Steven McBride recorded 1,024 receiving yards, which ranked fourth in the conference, and six receptions of 50-plus yards, which tied for third in the FBS. McBride earned second-team All-Mountain West honors.

In 2022, Sapolu coached an offensive line that ranked fourth in the Mountain West in fewest sacks allowed (20.0) and helped the offense rank fourth in the conference in passing offense (205.5). Two Rainbow Warriors went on to earn all-conference honors, as offensive lineman Ilm Manning earned first-team All-Mountain West honors, while offensive lineman Micah Vanterpool earned second-team All-Mountain West. Both went on to the NFL, as Manning signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent and Vanterpool spent part of training camp with the New England Patriots.

Sapolu spent three seasons (2019-21) at Fresno State, where he served as offensive line/run game coordinator for two years (2020-21).

In 2021, the Bulldogs averaged more than 30 points per game and were among the national leaders in various categories, including passing offense (326.7, ninth) and total offense (463.8, 14th). Sapolu coached offensive lineman Alex Akingbulu, who earned first-team All-Mountain West honors his senior year and went on to the NFL where he signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent. He also coached offensive lineman Dontae Bull, who went on to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 CFL Draft.

In 2020, the Bulldogs finished in the top 20 nationally in passing offense (356.3, fifth) and total offense (479.3, 17th). Running back Ronnie Rivers led the conference in all-purpose yards per game (163.8) and points scored per game (9.0) with nine touchdowns, earning him first-team All-Mountain West honors. Offensive lineman Syrus Tuitele earned second-team All-Mountain West honors and went on to spend training camp with the Buffalo Bills.

Sapolu first joined Fresno State as an assistant offensive line coach in 2019, and coached Netane Muti, who was a sixth-round pick (181st overall) by Denver in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Sapolu's first full-time coaching job came at Idaho State as offensive line coach in 2018. In his sole season, the Bengals tallied 5,403 total yards, the third-most since their 1981 national championship season. Under his tutelage, Brian Fineanganofo earned first-team Big Sky All-Conference Honors and second-team Phil Steele FCS All-American honors and went on to spend training camp with the Cleveland Browns.

Sapolu spent the summer of 2018 with the San Francisco 49ers as part of the NFL's Minority Coaching Fellowship, where he worked with the offensive line.

Sapolu began his coaching career at Nebraska, where he served as a graduate assistant for three seasons (2015-17) and worked primarily with the offensive line.

Sapolu was a four-year letterman (2011-14) at Oregon State as an interior lineman. After his final season was cut short due to injury, Sapolu assisted his position coach for the remainder of the season.

A Huntington Beach, California native, Sapolu graduated from Oregon State with a degree in liberal studies. His father, Jesse, played 14 seasons (1983-97) with the San Francisco 49ers and is a four-time Super Bowl Champion. Sapolu and his wife, Corinne, have three children – Malia, Masina and Manase.