Nathaniel Hackett Heads to Arizona After Brief Stop in Miami - Why This Might Be a Win for Jeff Hafley
Change is in the air in Miami, and it’s starting to feel like more than just offseason noise. The Dolphins’ new head coach Jeff Hafley is quietly reshaping the organization in his image - one that values teaching, familiarity, and system continuity over flash or big-name hires. And while the coaching staff he’s assembling may not light up headlines, there’s a clear thread running through it: these are football minds who know how to coach, not just call plays.
That said, not every hire was met with open arms. When Nathaniel Hackett was brought in to coach quarterbacks, the reaction from fans was... let’s call it lukewarm.
Hackett, despite a long résumé, has had a rough few years. His stint as head coach in Denver was historically bad.
His time with the Jets didn’t move the needle much either, even with Aaron Rodgers back under center. So when news broke that Hackett was heading to Miami, many Dolphins fans raised an eyebrow - and not in excitement.
But as quickly as he arrived, Hackett is gone. Less than a week after joining the Dolphins, Hackett is heading west to Arizona, where he’ll take over as offensive coordinator under newly hired head coach Mike LaFleur.
It’s a move that makes sense on multiple levels. Hackett and LaFleur have history - Hackett served as OC under Mike’s brother, Matt LaFleur, in Green Bay.
That familiarity and trust likely played a big role in the Cardinals’ decision. And for Hackett, the Arizona OC job is a step up from a position coach role in Miami.
It’s a chance to reset his career in a more prominent role, alongside a coach who knows how to use him.
From the Dolphins’ perspective, this isn’t a loss - it might actually be a quiet win. Hackett’s brief stay in Miami never felt like a natural fit.
Hafley has been intentional about bringing in coaches who align with his philosophy: development-first, system-aligned, and collaborative. Hackett, with his recent track record and outsider status within the staff, stood out as an odd fit from the start.
Now, Hafley gets a second chance to fill the quarterbacks coach role with someone who better matches the direction he’s taking this team. And make no mistake - it’s a critical hire.
Whether Miami rolls with Tua Tagovailoa or turns the keys over to a rookie like Quinn Ewers, the quarterback room needs a steady, commanding presence. Someone who can coach hard, teach well, and help elevate the most important position on the field.
Hackett may bring decades of experience, but recent stops have raised real questions about whether he still has the spark that once made him a rising star. In that sense, his departure before even settling in might be the best outcome for both sides.
Arizona gets a veteran play-caller with a deep playbook and a familiar face for LaFleur. Miami gets a clean slate and a chance to find a coach who fits Hafley’s vision from day one.
So no, this isn’t a reason to panic in Miami. It’s not a sign of dysfunction.
It’s just part of the process. Hafley is building something - and sometimes, that means knowing when to pivot quickly.