BREAKING: The Miami Dolphins have officially announced the hiring of Jeff Hafley as their new head coach, according to sources close to the situation. This urgent move comes as the Dolphins aim to revitalize their franchise after a disappointing season.
Hafley, who has served as the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, interviewed with the Dolphins for a second time today. His hiring marks a significant shift for Miami, which has not won a playoff game in over 25 years, the longest drought in the NFL.
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, appointed earlier this month to replace longtime GM Chris Grier, worked alongside Hafley in Green Bay. The Packers ranked ninth in yards allowed per game and sixth in yards per play during Hafley’s tenure, showcasing his defensive acumen.
In a show of support, Micah Parsons, the Packers’ star pass rusher, took to social media to congratulate Hafley, stating, “Genuinely happy for haf! Great guy great person! Gonna miss his energy!”
The Dolphins last secured a playoff victory on December 30, 2000, against the Indianapolis Colts, a game in which Hafley was a senior at Siena. The franchise is looking for a fresh start as they navigate a challenging era, having recently fired head coach Mike McDaniel.
Hafley, 46, is the eighth consecutive head coach hired by the Dolphins without prior NFL head coaching experience. The last coach with such experience was Dave Wannstedt in 2000. Hafley’s coaching journey includes stops at Boston College, where he recorded a 22-26 record over four seasons, and previous NFL roles as a defensive backs coach for teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns.
The Dolphins are undergoing a significant reset. Sullivan has indicated that players like Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane will be key building blocks moving forward. However, the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains uncertain after he was benched late in the season, leaving fans anxious about the team’s direction.
As this story develops, Dolphins fans are eager to see how Hafley will leverage his defensive background to transform the team. Stay tuned for updates as Miami embarks on this critical new chapter.
