Jeff Hafley, the former defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, is now rolling up his sleeves with the Miami Dolphins, aiming to revitalize the franchise. As anticipation builds for the Dolphins' clash with the Packers, Hafley's recent tenure in Green Bay adds an intriguing layer to the matchup.
Hafley recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming 2026 face-off with his former team. While he's eager for the game, he expressed a preference for it not to be scheduled in the first week of the season.
“There’s a lot of reasons,” Hafley explained, hinting at a significant factor. “One of my favorite guys might not be ready to play by then.”
He was, of course, referring to Micah Parsons, the standout defensive end, who is on the mend from a serious knee injury sustained late in the 2025 season. Parsons is in the midst of a challenging recovery from an ACL injury, which might sideline him for the season opener. Nonetheless, Hafley is hopeful that Parsons will hit the ground running as soon as possible.
“Micah, I hope you’re ready to play Week 1,” Hafley said. “I really do. And knowing Micah, he probably will be ready to play Week 1.”
Regardless of the timing, Hafley is excited about Parsons' potential to break the NFL record for sacks in a season.
“Definitely,” Hafley remarked. “Yeah, I just don’t have to be the one.
Someone else has got to hold him to it, though. It wouldn’t surprise me though if he did.”
Hafley's insights not only highlight his respect for Parsons but also underscore the competitive spirit and camaraderie that define the NFL. As the Dolphins look to make their mark, Hafley’s experience and anticipation for the season ahead set the stage for an exciting chapter.