The Miami Dolphins have tapped Jeff Hafley as their next head coach, ending a search that began after the franchise fired Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier this season.
At a Glance
- Hafley, 46, leaves Green Bay after two seasons as defensive coordinator
- He replaces McDaniel, who went 35-33 and missed the playoffs in back-to-back years
- The move continues owner Stephen Ross’ pattern of hiring first-time NFL head coaches
- Why it matters: Miami now faces a potential rebuild at quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa’s future in doubt
The agreement was confirmed to News Of Fort Worth on Monday by a team source, while Natalie A. Brooks verified the hire through a person speaking on condition of anonymity because paperwork had yet to be finalized.
Hafley’s second interview with the Dolphins took place earlier Monday, capping a rapid rise that saw him leave Boston College in 2024 to join the Packers. He will reunite in Miami with Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins’ new general manager who spent 22 seasons in Green Bay, most recently as vice president of player personnel.
Coaching Résumé
Hafley’s NFL experience includes:
- 2023-24: Packers defensive coordinator
- 2016-18: 49ers defensive backs coach
- 2014-15: Browns secondary coach
His lone college head-coaching stint at Boston College ended when he jumped to Green Bay, where he and Sullivan worked closely for two seasons.
Pattern of First-Timers
Since becoming majority owner in 2009, Stephen Ross has never hired a head coach with previous NFL experience in the role. The list:
| Coach | Years | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Philbin | 2012-15 | 24-28 |
| Adam Gase | 2016-18 | 23-25 |
| Brian Flores | 2019-21 | 24-25 |
| Mike McDaniel | 2022-25 | 35-33 |
McDaniel’s dismissal followed a 7-10 campaign and consecutive seasons out of the playoffs, prompting an organizational reset.
Quarterback Crossroads
The Dolphins must now decide on Tua Tagovailoa, benched for the final three games of the 2025 season. His numbers:
- 2,660 passing yards
- 20 touchdowns
- 15 interceptions (career high, second-most in NFL)
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024 but showed declines in accuracy and mobility. He is guaranteed $54 million for 2026, and releasing him would carry significant salary-cap penalties.
Search Process
Miami interviewed multiple candidates before choosing Hafley:
- Kevin Stefanski (hired by Atlanta this week)
- Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator
- Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator
- Anthony Campanile, Jaguars defensive coordinator
What’s Next
The Dolphins enter the offseason with:
- A new head coach in Hafley
- A new GM in Sullivan
- A quarterback decision looming on Tagovailoa
- A roster that missed the playoffs despite high expectations
Hafley becomes the fifth consecutive first-time NFL head coach hired by Ross, extending a trend that has yet to produce a playoff victory since 2000.
Key Takeaways
- Miami opts for continuity, promoting a coach already familiar with Sullivan’s front-office approach.
- Tagovailoa’s large guaranteed salary complicates any potential move at quarterback.
- Hafley inherits a roster that underperformed in 2025 and faces a critical offseason.
