UPDATE: The Miami Dolphins have officially hired Jeff Hafley, former defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, as their new head coach, according to sources reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This urgent announcement comes just hours after Hafley conducted a second interview with the team on January 19, 2026.
Hafley, 46, joins the Dolphins amid significant changes, including the recent appointment of Jon-Eric Sullivan as the new general manager. Sullivan and Hafley worked together in Green Bay, where Hafley led a defense that ranked ninth in yards allowed per game and eighth in points allowed during his two seasons there.
With the Dolphins failing to win a playoff game in 25 seasons, the longest drought in the NFL, Hafley’s hiring represents a crucial step in revitalizing the franchise. The last time Miami celebrated a playoff victory was on December 30, 2000, against the Indianapolis Colts—an event that took place while Hafley was still a senior at Siena.
In a show of support, Micah Parsons, the Packers’ star pass rusher, took to social media to congratulate Hafley, stating: “Genuinely happy for Haf! Great guy, great person! Gonna miss his energy!”
Hafley becomes the eighth consecutive Dolphins head coach without prior NFL head coaching experience, signaling a continued trend within the organization. The last coach with previous NFL experience was Dave Wannstedt, who left in 2000. Hafley’s coaching journey includes stops as a defensive backs coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers before his time at Boston College, where he compiled a 22-26 record over four seasons.
As the Dolphins aim to rebuild, Sullivan highlighted key players such as Jaylen Waddle, Aaron Brewer, and De’Von Achane as foundational pieces for the future. Notably absent from Sullivan’s list was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose uncertain position after being benched late in the season raises questions about his future with the franchise.
This hiring marks a pivotal moment for the Dolphins as they strive to break free from a cycle of disappointment and rebuild their roster under new leadership. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Hafley steps into his new role and prepares for the upcoming season.
Stay tuned for more updates on Hafley’s coaching strategies and the Dolphins’ offseason moves as they aim to return to playoff contention.
