The Miami Dolphins have made a significant coaching decision by hiring Jeff Hafley as their new head coach, according to a reliable source. This move comes after the team parted ways with former head coach Mike McDaniel, who had a record of 35-33 over four seasons. Additionally, the Dolphins also let go of longtime general manager Chris Grier mid-season.
Hafley, who previously served as the head coach at Boston College and as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, has agreed to join the Dolphins. He had a successful meeting with the team for a second interview before being offered the coaching position. Hafley will be working alongside the new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, in Miami.
Having left Boston College in 2024 to take on the role of defensive coordinator in Green Bay, Hafley brings a wealth of experience to the Dolphins. He has worked closely with Sullivan during their time together in Green Bay. Sullivan, who was previously the vice president of player personnel for the Packers, brings 22 seasons of experience to his new role as the Dolphins’ general manager.
The hiring of Hafley reflects Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’s preference for candidates without prior NFL head coaching experience. Ross has a history of taking chances on new coaching talent, as seen in his previous appointments of Joe Philbin, Adam Gase, Brian Flores, and Mike McDaniel.
Following McDaniel’s departure, the Dolphins are facing a period of transition that may involve seeking a new quarterback and potentially moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, the former first-round draft pick. Tagovailoa faced challenges during the 2025 season, leading to his benching in the final three games. Despite signing a lucrative contract extension in 2024, Tagovailoa struggled with interceptions, ending the season with 15, the second-highest in the league.
In the search for a new head coach, the Dolphins considered several candidates, including former Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski, who recently joined the Atlanta Falcons as head coach. Other contenders included Klint Kubiak, Robert Saleh, Chris Shula, and Anthony Campanile, among others.
This strategic coaching decision by the Dolphins marks a new chapter for the team as they aim to make significant improvements and build a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons.