David Howlett has spent decades in junior and professional player development, including an assistant-coaching stint at Cronulla.
He helped establish Endeavour Sports High School as a leading rugby league talent-development program.
Dean Young said he specifically sought Howlett to help his young squad.
"We have a young squad, so I specifically targeted Dave, as he is regarded as one of the best development coaches around," Young added.
The Dragons have appointed Howlett and Nathan Fien as assistant coaches for 2027.
Fien, a member of St George Illawarra's 2010 premiership side, leaves the Dolphins to reunite with Young, his former teammate.
As the Dolphins' attacking coach, Fien oversaw 721 points in 2025, the competition's highest total, and 662 in the 2026 regular season.
"Nathan has done a great job with the Dolphins, and the results of their attack over the past two seasons speak for themselves," Young said.