Miami Dolphins Hire Jeff Hafley as Head Coach, Marking New Era
MIAMI, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins have officially named Jeff Hafley as their next head coach, signaling a fresh start for the franchise after parting ways with Mike McDaniel. Hafley, who most recently served as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, has agreed to take the helm of the Dolphins’ football program, according to multiple reports.
Hafley’s rise in the NFL coaching ranks has been notable. After a successful tenure as Boston College’s head coach from 2020 to 2023, where he established a reputation for defensive prowess and player development, Hafley transitioned to the Packers, where he spent two seasons shaping one of the league’s more formidable defenses. His impact in Green Bay earned him recognition as one of the top head coaching candidates this offseason.
The Dolphins’ decision to hire Hafley comes after a four-season stretch under McDaniel that yielded a 35-33 record but ultimately left the franchise seeking a new direction. Miami’s front office reportedly was impressed by Hafley’s vision and leadership during his second interview on January 19, 2026, and moved quickly to secure his services.
Hafley’s appointment marks his first head coaching role in the NFL, a significant step up from his coordinator duties. His defensive expertise is expected to complement Miami’s existing roster, which has shown promise but struggled with consistency on both sides of the ball. The move aligns with a broader NFL trend of teams investing in defensive-minded coaches to build championship-caliber squads.
As the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming season, Hafley’s challenge will be to translate his collegiate and coordinator success into sustained NFL leadership. His hiring follows a wave of coaching changes across the league, including John Harbaugh’s recent agreement to lead the New York Giants, signaling a dynamic offseason for NFL franchises.
For more on NFL coaching changes and team strategies, visit the National Football League official site and explore insights from the ESPN NFL section. The Dolphins’ front office and coaching staff will be under close scrutiny as they aim to return Miami to playoff contention.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Hafley begins assembling his coaching staff and shaping the Dolphins’ roster. The team’s official announcements and updates can be followed through the Miami Dolphins official website, while league-wide developments are tracked by the U.S. Government’s sports portal.
With the NFL landscape evolving rapidly, the Dolphins’ bold move to bring in Jeff Hafley underscores their commitment to building a competitive future. The coming months will reveal how this new chapter unfolds for Miami and its passionate fan base.
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