Introduction to the New Head Coach
The Miami Dolphins and Jeff Hafley have reached an agreement to make the former Boston College head coach and Packers defensive coordinator their coach, a source with the team told NBC6.
The Associated Press also confirmed the news on Monday, speaking to a person on condition of anonymity because a contract hadn’t been finalized.
Background on the Coaching Position
Hafley replaces Mike McDaniel, who was fired after going 35-33 in four seasons. The Dolphins also fired longtime general manager Chris Grier during the season.
Hafley, who spent two seasons in Green Bay, met with the Dolphins for a second interview earlier Monday before he was offered the job. He will rejoin new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan in Miami.
Experience of the New Coach
The 46-year-old Hafley left his job at Boston College in 2024 to become defensive coordinator in Green Bay, where he worked with Sullivan for the past two seasons. Hafley also coached San Francisco’s defensive backs from 2016-2018 after spending two years as Cleveland’s secondary coach.
Sullivan, formerly Green Bay’s vice president of player personnel, spent 22 seasons with the Packers before becoming the Dolphins’ GM.
Impact of the Hiring Decision
The hiring of Hafley continues Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ trend of gambling on candidates without prior NFL head coaching experience. Ross has not hired a proven NFL coach since becoming the Dolphins’ majority owner in 2009. He previously took chances on Joe Philbin (2012-2015), Adam Gase (2016-18), Brian Flores (2019-21) and McDaniel (2022-25).
McDaniel was was fired after going 7-10 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. That set up an organizational reset that will likely include finding a new quarterback and moving on from former first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa.
Future Plans for the Team
Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season after throwing for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns but showing stark declines in accuracy and mobility. He signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024 but finished 2025 with 15 interceptions, second most in the NFL and a career high.
Tagovailoa is guaranteed $54 million for 2026, and the Dolphins would incur significant hits to the salary cap by releasing him.
The Dolphins also interviewed former Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski, who was hired as Atlanta’s coach this week; Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak; San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh; Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula; and Jacksonville defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, among others, during their search for a coach.
Recent Developments in the NFL
Pete Carroll and Kevin Stefanski are amongst the NFL head coaches who were fired on Monday.
Maaddi reported from Tampa.
Conclusion
The hiring of Jeff Hafley as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins marks a new chapter for the team. With his experience as a defensive coordinator and head coach at Boston College, Hafley brings a unique set of skills to the team. The Dolphins will look to rebuild and improve their performance in the upcoming season.
FAQs
Q: Who is the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins?
A: Jeff Hafley is the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
Q: Who did Hafley replace as head coach?
A: Hafley replaced Mike McDaniel, who was fired after four seasons with the team.
Q: What is Hafley’s coaching experience?
A: Hafley has experience as a defensive coordinator in Green Bay and as a head coach at Boston College.
Q: What are the Dolphins’ plans for the upcoming season?
A: The Dolphins will look to rebuild and improve their performance, potentially finding a new quarterback and moving on from Tua Tagovailoa.
