Image Source: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY
Key Takeaways:
- The Miami Dolphins have hired Jeff Hafley as their new head coach, according to multiple reports.
- Hafley previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers and head coach at Boston College.
- The hire marks the first major move by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who also came from the Packers.
- Hafley will be tasked with ending the Dolphins’ 25-season playoff victory drought.
- The team may undergo further changes, including potentially parting ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Introduction to the New Head Coach
The Miami Dolphins have made a significant move in their organization by hiring Jeff Hafley as their new head coach. As reported by multiple sources, Hafley, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, will be taking over the reins from Mike McDaniel, who was fired on January 8 after a four-season tenure. According to the reports, the Dolphins had Hafley in for an interview on Monday and reached an agreement before his scheduled interview with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday. As Hafley himself has not publicly commented on the hire, Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s earlier statement that the team had been preparing to replace Hafley, who had become a "hotly pursued candidate on the open market," suggests that Hafley’s departure was not entirely unexpected.
Hafley’s Background and Experience
Hafley, 46, brings a wealth of experience to the Dolphins organization. He had been the Packers’ defensive coordinator for the last two seasons, during which the team ranked in the top 12 in both yards allowed and scoring defense in both 2024 and 2025. As LaFleur noted, the latter unit was "derailed by season-ending injuries to All-Pro Micah Parsons as well as Devonte Wyatt." Prior to his time with the Packers, Hafley served as the head coach at Boston College from 2020-23. His defensive expertise will likely be an asset to the Dolphins, who have struggled in recent years. As Hafley takes on his new role, he will be tasked with turning around a franchise that has not seen a playoff victory in 25 seasons. As the article notes, "He takes over for Mike McDaniel, who was fired Jan. 8 after posting a 35-33 record in four seasons at the helm."
The Challenges Ahead
The Dolphins face significant challenges in the upcoming season, and Hafley will have his work cut out for him. The team may be undergoing further changes, including potentially parting ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Tagovailoa was benched for the last three games of the season, and Hill is recovering from a severe left knee injury suffered in September. As the article states, "More change could be ahead for Miami, which could be splitting with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill in the offseason." Hafley will need to assess the team’s roster and make strategic decisions to build a competitive team. With his experience and expertise, he may be the right person to lead the Dolphins out of their current slump.
The Impact of the Hire
The hiring of Hafley marks the first major move by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who also came from the Packers. Sullivan’s familiarity with Hafley likely played a role in the hiring decision, and the two will work together to shape the future of the Dolphins organization. As Sullivan begins his tenure as general manager, he will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The success of the team will depend on the chemistry between Sullivan and Hafley, as well as their ability to make savvy roster moves and coaching decisions. As the article notes, "Hafley’s hire marks the first major move by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was also with the Packers before joining the Dolphins."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Miami Dolphins have made a significant move by hiring Jeff Hafley as their new head coach. With his experience and expertise, Hafley has the potential to turn around the franchise and end the team’s 25-season playoff victory drought. As he takes on the challenges ahead, including potentially rebuilding the roster and making strategic decisions, Hafley will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. As Packers coach Matt LaFleur said earlier in the month, "the team had been preparing to replace Hafley, who had become a hotly pursued candidate on the open market." The Dolphins organization is likely eager to see what the future holds under Hafley’s leadership, and fans will be waiting with bated breath to see the team’s progress in the upcoming season.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/dolphins/2026/01/19/miami-dolphins-hire-jeff-hafley-head-coach/88249756007/
