Jeff Hafley is assembling his first coaching staff in Miami, and he’s opting for continuity in key spots on the defensive side of the ball. One of the most notable holdovers? Joe Barry, who will stay on as the Dolphins’ linebackers coach and run game coordinator.
Barry’s name might ring a bell for Packers fans - he was Green Bay’s defensive coordinator from 2021 through 2023 before being let go in January 2024. Hafley stepped into that role in Green Bay shortly after Barry’s departure, and now, the two find themselves on the same sideline in South Florida - just with their roles reversed.
For Barry, this isn’t his first rodeo. He’s been around the NFL block, with previous stints as defensive coordinator in Washington and Detroit, and coaching stops with the Rams, Chargers, Buccaneers, and 49ers. That kind of résumé brings a wealth of experience to a Dolphins defense that’s aiming to stay competitive in a loaded AFC.
Bringing Barry back in his previous role suggests that Hafley values what Barry was building in Miami’s front seven. The linebackers and run defense will remain under Barry’s guidance, giving the team some schematic consistency even as the overall defensive vision shifts under Hafley’s leadership.
And Barry’s not the only familiar face sticking around. Defensive line coach Austin Clark is also being retained, continuing a tenure with the Dolphins that began in 2021. Clark has helped develop a strong, physical defensive front over the past few seasons, and his continued presence gives the unit a sense of stability as the coaching transition unfolds.
For Hafley, these moves show a clear strategy: blend new ideas with established relationships, and keep the foundation solid while building something fresh. It’s not a full teardown - it’s a recalibration. And with experienced voices like Barry and Clark still in the room, the Dolphins’ defense won’t be starting from scratch.