The Miami Dolphins hired Green Bay Packers Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach, replacing Mike McDaniel. Jeff Hafley interviewed with the Dolphins for a second time on Tuesday. According to ESPN, Adam Schefter on Monday.
The Miami Dolphins also hired new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was also within the Green Bay Packers organization. Sullivan replaced GM Chris Grier.
Miami Dolphins Hire Hafley as Head Coach
Jeff Hafley was the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers for the past two seasons on which the Packers ranked ninth overall in yards allowed per game and eighth in points per game.
Before entering the NFL, he was the head coach of Boston College. His NFL experience included stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cleveland Browns, the 49ers, and the Green Bay Packers.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said that “our organization needed comprehensive change.” Firing head coach Mike McDaniel wasn’t a shock. He had a 35-33 record in charge and failed to win a playoff game. Franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa regressed in a big way following his 2023 Pro Bowl season.
Mike McDaniel posted winning records in each of his first two seasons with the Dolphins but went 15-19 over the last two years. He failed to win a single playoff game and went 4-17 against teams with winning records during his tenure.
Ahead For the Miami Dolphins
With the hiring of Jeff Hafley, the Dolphins are positioning themselves to build a stronger foundation and establish a new team culture. According to owner Stephen Ross, the organization was in need of meaningful change, and this shift marks the beginning of a new direction for the franchise.
With Jeff Hafley bringing a defensive‑minded approach, the Dolphins should be able to strengthen their defense while supporting an already talent‑loaded offense. With changes at both head coach and general manager, Miami can now focus on drafting and building toward the long‑term future of the team.
