Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley chooses Sean Duggan as his new DC

Miami Dolphins Name Former Packers LBs Coach As New Defensive Coordinator

Matt Brown

The Miami Dolphins are continuing to shape their new-look coaching staff under head coach Jeff Hafley, making a key addition to lead the defense. As expected, the team has hired former Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan as the new Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator.

This move signals a clear direction for the team, prioritizing continuity and familiarity as Hafley looks to install his defensive system in South Florida. Duggan, a fast-rising coach in the NFL ranks, brings a deep understanding of Hafley’s philosophy, having worked alongside him at multiple stops.

Miami Dolphins: The Jeff Hafley Connection

The most significant factor in Duggan’s hiring is his extensive history with Jeff Hafley. The two have built a strong working relationship over the years, collaborating on three different coaching staffs. This shared experience is the cornerstone of the hire.

Their paths have been intertwined for years:

  • Ohio State (2019): Duggan served as a graduate assistant under Hafley, who was the co-defensive coordinator for a Buckeyes defense that was one of the nation’s best.
  • Boston College (2020-2023): When Hafley became the head coach at Boston College, he brought Duggan with him. Duggan served as the linebackers coach for two seasons before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator.
  • Green Bay Packers (2024-2025): Following Hafley’s move to the NFL as the Packers’ defensive coordinator, Duggan joined him in Green Bay. He started as a defensive assistant before being promoted to linebackers coach for the 2025 season.

This consistent partnership demonstrates a high level of trust and a shared defensive philosophy. Hafley has already stated that he intends to be the primary defensive play-caller for the Dolphins. In that context, hiring a coordinator who intimately understands his system is a logical and efficient move. Duggan’s primary role will be to teach and implement Hafley’s scheme, ensuring the entire defensive unit is on the same page from day one.

Duggan’s Coaching Journey

At just 32 years old, Sean Duggan is one of the younger defensive coordinators in the NFL, but his resume shows a steady and impressive rise through the coaching ranks. A former linebacker and team captain at Boston College, Duggan has a player’s perspective that resonates in the meeting room and on the field.

After his playing career, he quickly transitioned into coaching. His first position coaching job came at the University of Hawaii in 2016, where he coached linebackers. He then spent two seasons in the same role at UMass before reconnecting with Hafley at Ohio State.

This rapid ascent from graduate assistant to NFL defensive coordinator in just a few years highlights how highly he is regarded within coaching circles. He is known for his attention to detail, his ability to connect with players, and his thorough understanding of modern defensive concepts.

What This Hire Means for the Dolphins’ Defense

The hiring of Sean Duggan provides a clear picture of what the Dolphins’ defense in 2026 will look like. With Hafley calling the plays and his trusted lieutenant implementing the system, fans can expect a cohesive and disciplined unit.

Key implications of this hire include:

  • System Continuity: There will be no learning curve or philosophical clashes between the head coach and defensive coordinator. This allows for a quicker and more seamless installation of the defensive scheme during the offseason and training camp.
  • Player Development Focus: Duggan’s background as a position coach, particularly with linebackers, suggests a hands-on approach to player development. He will be instrumental in helping players like Jaelan Phillips and the team’s young defensive talent reach their full potential within Hafley’s system.
  • A Unified Vision: This hire is part of a broader strategy by Hafley to build a staff that shares his vision. The Dolphins have also brought in other coaches with ties to Hafley, such as assistant offensive line coach Matt Applebaum (from Boston College) and quarterback coach Nathaniel Hackett (from Green Bay). This creates a unified and collaborative coaching environment.

This move also provides closure on the tenure of former defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who interviewed for several head coaching positions this offseason but was not hired. While the Dolphins will miss out on potential compensatory draft picks, the organization chose to prioritize building Hafley’s ideal staff immediately.

The hiring of Sean Duggan as the Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator is a smart, strategic move that emphasizes cohesion and familiarity. By bringing in a coach who is an extension of himself, Jeff Hafley is setting a clear foundation for what he wants his defense to be. For Dolphins fans, this signals a commitment to a singular vision aimed at building a championship-caliber defense in Miami.

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