The Miami Dolphins are officially turning the page - and they’re doing it with two fresh faces leading the charge. On Thursday, the team will introduce new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan in a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m. ET, streamed live on the Dolphins’ YouTube channel.
Both Hafley and Sullivan arrive in South Florida by way of Green Bay, bringing with them a shared vision rooted in toughness, physicality, and a draft-first philosophy. For a franchise still searching for its first playoff win in over two decades, the hope is that this new pairing can finally break the cycle.
A New Era Begins in Miami
Let’s be clear - this isn’t just about a press conference. It’s about a team that’s been stuck in neutral for 26 years when it comes to postseason success. The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000, and this hire signals an aggressive push to change that narrative.
Hafley, most recently the head coach at Boston College, is known for his defensive acumen and player development chops. While he didn’t call plays during his tenure at BC, he was instrumental in crafting the team’s defensive identity. His coaching style emphasizes discipline, effort, and a no-nonsense approach - traits that should resonate well in a locker room hungry for accountability.
On the personnel side, Sullivan steps in after a long run with the Packers, where he climbed the ranks in one of the NFL’s most respected front offices. His background is steeped in scouting and player evaluation, and he’s expected to bring a sharp eye for talent - especially in the draft, where Miami will need to hit on multiple picks to reset both the roster and the salary cap.
Building Through the Draft - and the Trenches
Both Hafley and Sullivan have stressed the importance of building through the draft, a strategy that’s not just about long-term sustainability, but also financial flexibility. With the Dolphins currently facing a tight salary cap situation, hitting on rookie contracts is more important than ever.
One area that’s expected to get immediate attention? The trenches.
Miami has struggled at times on both the offensive and defensive lines, and if you listen closely to the early messaging, there’s a clear emphasis on getting tougher up front. That’s not just coach-speak - it’s a recognition that games are still won and lost in the dirt, especially come January.
Questions Loom - and They’re Coming Fast
As Hafley and Sullivan take the podium, fans and media alike will be watching closely for answers to some of the biggest questions facing the franchise. Among them:
- Quarterback clarity: What’s the plan with Tua Tagovailoa? Will the team commit long-term, explore trade options, or head in a different direction altogether? Sullivan’s answer here will set the tone for the offseason.
- Offensive identity: Hafley will be asked about the kind of offense he envisions - especially with the team still searching for an offensive coordinator. Will it be a wide-open, speed-heavy attack? Or something more balanced and physical?
- Camp culture: Hafley’s known for running physical practices within the rules of the CBA. Could we see a return to a more intense training camp in Miami Gardens?
- Lessons from Boston College: Every coach grows from their first head job. Hafley’s time at BC wasn’t always smooth, but it was valuable. Expect him to speak on what he learned - especially about managing staff and adapting on the fly.
- Roster overhaul and cap strategy: With a tight financial picture, how quickly can the Dolphins reshape the roster? Will Sullivan use the word “rebuild,” or lean into a “reset” narrative?
- Injury concerns: Evaluating injury history is a key part of roster construction. The Dolphins have had their share of injury woes in recent years, so expect a question or two about how that factors into personnel decisions.
- Throwback uniforms: Okay, this one’s more for the fans - but someone’s bound to ask if the beloved throwback jerseys could become permanent. That decision lies with owner Stephen Ross, but it speaks to the passion of the fan base.
What to Watch For
Hafley and Sullivan don’t need to “win” the press conference - that’s not the goal. But how they present themselves, how clearly they articulate their vision, and how they handle tough questions will go a long way in setting the tone for this new era.
Both are reportedly comfortable in front of the mic, and that matters. Communication - with players, media, and fans - is a key part of leadership in today’s NFL. If they can strike the right balance between confidence and humility, they’ll give Dolphins fans something they haven’t had in a while: hope grounded in a plan.
The Bottom Line
The Dolphins are betting on a fresh approach - one that blends a defensive-minded head coach with a draft-savvy general manager. It’s a bold move, but one that aligns with where the league is headed: smart, adaptable, and forward-thinking leadership.
Now, it’s time to hear from the men tasked with delivering results. The press conference is only the beginning, but it’s an important first step.
The Dolphins don’t just need a new voice - they need a new direction. And starting Thursday, we’ll begin to see what that looks like.