The Miami Dolphins' decision to part ways with Mike McDaniel raised eyebrows across the league - and not just because of the timing. Black Monday came and went, and McDaniel was still holding the headset.
Internally, he believed he was safe. The team was in the market for a new general manager, and McDaniel was even expected to have some input in that search.
But that voice never got used.
Just one day after McDaniel’s dismissal, the Dolphins introduced Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new GM - a move that immediately sparked speculation that the coaching change was his first major decision. But according to Sullivan, that’s not how it went down.
McDaniel’s Exit Was Already in Motion
Sullivan made it clear in his introductory press conference: the decision to move on from McDaniel had already been made before he officially took the job. Technically, the call came a day before he was hired.
And while that may be true on paper, it’s hard to ignore the timeline. Sullivan had just wrapped up his second interview - one where, by his own admission, he laid out his vision for the franchise, including the type of head coach he wanted.
He expressed respect for McDaniel, but there was no indication that he advocated for keeping him. And let’s be honest - if Sullivan had made a strong case to retain McDaniel, it’s unlikely owner Stephen Ross would’ve pulled the plug.
Enter Jeff Hafley
There’s no hiding the fact that Sullivan had a strong preference for Jeff Hafley. He told reporters he was “convicted in bringing Hafley with him” to Miami. That’s not lukewarm support - that’s a guy who knew exactly who he wanted to lead the locker room.
Still, Sullivan emphasized that the hiring process wasn’t a one-man show. During Hafley’s second interview, Sullivan said he sat back and let the room make the call. According to him, the consensus was clear: Hafley was the guy.
Ross didn’t need much convincing, either. He said it took just 10 minutes into Hafley’s interview to know he was the right choice. Word around the league was that Hafley “blew away” everyone in the room - a strong impression for a coach making the leap from the college ranks.
Why the Change?
What ultimately shifted Ross’ stance on McDaniel remains unclear. The offensive creativity was never the issue - McDaniel had that in spades.
But the buzzword coming out of Miami is accountability. And whether it was locker room dynamics, inconsistency in big moments, or something behind the scenes, the Dolphins clearly felt McDaniel wasn’t delivering in that department.
That’s where Hafley comes in. Known for his defensive background and leadership qualities, he brings a different energy. And while hiring a first-time NFL head coach brings its own challenges, Sullivan acknowledged that going with someone more experienced might’ve made his job easier - but also risked philosophical clashes.
A Unified Vision Moving Forward
Sullivan addressed the narrative that hiring Hafley was a favor to a friend. Yes, they have a relationship. But he insisted this was a collective decision - one made by ownership, the front office, and the rest of the decision-makers in the building.
And that’s really the key here. The Dolphins aren’t just changing coaches.
They’re aligning the front office and coaching staff under a shared vision. Whether that leads to wins remains to be seen.
But for now, Miami has made its choice - and it’s clear they’re all in on Hafley and the new direction he represents.