The Miami Dolphins have officially hit the reset button this offseason, parting ways with head coach Mike McDaniel and launching a high-stakes search for his replacement. And now, a familiar name has emerged as the frontrunner to take the reins in South Florida - Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
According to multiple reports, including NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Hafley is firmly in the lead for the Dolphins’ head coaching job. While no final decision has been made and more interviews are still on the books, the connection between Hafley and newly appointed general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is hard to ignore. The two worked together in Green Bay, and that shared history could be the foundation for Miami’s next era.
Hafley’s Stock Is Rising - And Fast
Hafley isn’t just a name on a list - he’s a coach in high demand. Four other NFL teams have reportedly requested second interviews with him, which tells you everything you need to know about how he's viewed around the league.
But in Miami, the stars seem to be aligning. With Sullivan now steering the Dolphins’ front office, the idea of bringing in a coach he trusts and has worked alongside makes a lot of football sense.
And Hafley’s résumé backs up the buzz. He played a key role in transforming Green Bay’s defense into one of the most aggressive, disciplined units in the league this past season.
Despite some key injuries - including a season-ending blow to Micah Parsons and a mid-game exit from one of their top linebackers - the Packers still made life miserable for opposing offenses. There’s a real belief that if the defense had stayed healthy, Green Bay might have had enough to get past the Bears in the Wild Card round.
What It Could Mean for Miami’s Defense
If Hafley does land the job, it could lead to a shake-up on the Dolphins’ defensive staff. Anthony Weaver, who played a key role on that side of the ball, may not be sticking around. With his own coaching stock on the rise, Weaver could be in line for a defensive coordinator role elsewhere - or even a head coaching opportunity of his own.
That kind of domino effect is common with head coaching changes, but it also underscores just how pivotal this hire could be for Miami. Bringing in Hafley would signal a commitment to building a tough, physical identity on defense, something the Dolphins have flirted with but haven’t fully realized in recent years.
What’s Next?
At this point, nothing is official. The Dolphins are still conducting interviews, and the coaching carousel is spinning fast across the league.
But right now, Hafley looks like the favorite in Miami. The potential reunion with Sullivan adds a layer of familiarity and trust that could be key as the franchise looks to take the next step.
For Dolphins fans, this is a name to watch closely. Hafley brings a defensive edge, a strong track record, and a connection to the new front office leadership - all of which make him a compelling candidate to lead Miami into a new chapter.