NFL Coaching Carousel Heats Up: Hafley Heads to Miami, Parker Lands in Dallas, and Vacancies Remain
The NFL offseason is barely underway, but the coaching landscape is already shifting fast - and in some cases, dramatically. Let’s break down the latest moves, starting with a major shakeup in Miami, a fresh face calling the shots in Dallas, and a look at which teams are still searching for their next leader.
From Green Bay to South Beach: Jon Eric-Sullivan and Jeff Hafley Take Over in Miami
The Dolphins are ushering in a new era, and they’re doing it with a pair of familiar faces from Green Bay.
Jon Eric-Sullivan, who spent over two decades climbing the ranks in the Packers’ front office, was introduced as the Dolphins’ new general manager. At 50, he brings a wealth of experience in player evaluation and roster building - the kind of steady hand Miami hopes can help push them deeper into the postseason picture.
And he didn’t waste any time making his first big move.
Eric-Sullivan tapped Jeff Hafley as Miami’s new head coach, bringing his former colleague from Green Bay along with him. Hafley, 46, had been the Packers’ defensive coordinator for the last two seasons. Now, he’s tasked with leading a Dolphins team full of talent but still searching for consistency.
Hafley’s defensive background could be a major asset in Miami, where the roster boasts playmakers on both sides of the ball. The hire signals a clear direction: build a tough, disciplined team from the ground up - and do it with a front office and coaching staff that already know how to work together.
Christian Parker Gets the Call in Dallas
Over in Dallas, the Cowboys are turning to one of the league’s rising defensive minds.
Christian Parker, who had been in the mix for the Packers’ defensive coordinator job, is now heading to the NFC East - but not to Green Bay. According to NFL Network, Parker will be the new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.
At just 34 years old, Parker’s resume is already impressive. He got his NFL start as a defensive quality control coach with the Packers in 2020, then spent three seasons as the Broncos’ defensive backs coach. Most recently, he was with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as their passing game coordinator and DBs coach - a stint that culminated in the Eagles boasting the league’s top-ranked passing defense in 2024.
Now, he’s tasked with fixing a Cowboys defense that struggled mightily last season. Dallas allowed more points per game than any other team and finished 30th overall in total defense. That’s a steep hill to climb, but Parker has shown he can elevate a secondary - and he’ll need to do just that in Dallas, where the expectations are always sky-high.
The move also adds a little extra intrigue to the NFC East. Parker moves from the Eagles to their biggest rival, setting up some must-watch matchups next season.
Who’s Still Looking? Six Head Coaching Vacancies Remain
While four teams have already filled their head coaching roles, six franchises are still on the hunt. Some are just getting started, while others are deep into interviews and evaluations. Here's where things stand:
- Buffalo Bills - After parting ways with Sean McDermott on Jan. 19, Buffalo is early in its search.
- Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Tomlin’s departure marks the end of an era in Pittsburgh.
- Baltimore Ravens - John Harbaugh is out, and the Ravens are now looking for a new voice in the locker room.
- Cleveland Browns - Kevin Stefanski’s run in Cleveland has come to a close.
- Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Gannon is no longer at the helm.
- Las Vegas Raiders - Pete Carroll’s brief stint in Vegas comes to an end.
That’s a lot of turnover - and a lot of opportunity. With proven veterans and rising stars available, these teams are under pressure to find the right fit. Whether they go with experienced names or gamble on the next big thing remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the next few weeks will be pivotal for shaping the 2026 season and beyond.
Who’s Already Locked In?
Here’s a quick look at the four teams that have already made their hires:
- Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh steps in, bringing his defensive pedigree to a team in transition.
- Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley takes the reins after a successful run as a defensive coordinator in Green Bay.
- Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski gets a fresh start in the NFC South.
- New York Giants: John Harbaugh heads to the Big Apple, ready to lead a storied franchise back to relevance.
The coaching carousel is spinning fast, and the decisions being made now will echo through the league for years. Whether it’s a fresh face like Christian Parker getting his shot, or a seasoned exec like Jon Eric-Sullivan stepping into the GM spotlight, these moves are more than just headlines - they’re the building blocks of what’s next in the NFL.