Jeff Hafley Praises Matt LaFleur At Dolphins Introductory Press Conference
New Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley had nothing but praise for Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and the players he worked with during his two-year stint as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. Hafley, who was introduced as the Dolphins’ head coach on Thursday, took the opportunity to reflect on his time in Green Bay and express his gratitude.
Jeff Hafley’s Message to Matt LaFleur and the Packers
During his introductory press conference, Hafley spoke warmly about LaFleur, calling him a great coach and a great friend. “I want to thank Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers. The last two years have been two of the best of my life,” Hafley said. “LaFleur is a great football coach, he’s a great friend, and he’s going to have continued great success.”
Hafley also expressed his appreciation for the Packers players, highlighting the close bond he developed with them. “I also want to thank those players there. In two years, we got close. I mean, really close. The love, the connection, the support — it was hard to say goodbye to those guys,” Hafley said. “But the phone calls and the texts to you guys meant everything to me. I love you, I wish you the best, other than when [the Dolphins] come to Lambeau next year.”
A Transformative Tenure in Green Bay
Hafley joined the Packers in 2024 after a successful stint as the head coach at Boston College. Under his leadership, the Packers’ defense saw significant improvement, ranking fifth in total defense in 2024 and 12th in 2025 despite dealing with key injuries, including the loss of All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons late in the season.
Hafley’s ability to elevate the Packers’ defense made him a sought-after candidate for head coaching positions, ultimately leading to his hiring by the Dolphins. Miami is hoping Hafley can replicate his success in Green Bay and bring similar improvements to their defense.
What’s Next for the Packers?
With Hafley now in Miami, the Packers are searching for a new defensive coordinator to continue the progress made over the past two seasons. The team has already begun interviewing candidates, including Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris, former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, and Vikings assistant Daronte Jones. Raheem Morris, recently fired by the Falcons, is also reportedly a candidate for the position.
The next hire will be critical for LaFleur, who recently signed a contract extension despite rumors of being on the hot seat. Maintaining the defensive momentum established under Hafley will be key to the Packers’ success moving forward.
A New Chapter for Hafley
As Hafley begins his tenure with the Dolphins, he brings with him the lessons and experiences gained during his time in Green Bay. His heartfelt message to LaFleur and the Packers players underscores the strong relationships he built during his two years with the team.
For the Dolphins, Hafley’s leadership and defensive expertise offer hope for a brighter future. For the Packers, his departure marks the end of a successful chapter and the beginning of a new one as they look to build on the foundation he helped establish.
