The Miami Dolphins are hitting the reset button - again - and this time, they’re putting their faith in Jeff Hafley to lead the way. After back-to-back losing seasons and a 7-10 finish that kept them out of the playoffs for the second straight year, Miami is hoping Hafley can be the spark that reignites the franchise.
Hafley’s path to South Florida runs through Green Bay, where he made a name for himself as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. Under his watch, the Packers quietly became one of the league’s more disciplined and stingy defenses, allowing just 311.8 yards and 21.1 points per game - numbers that speak to a well-coached unit with a clear identity.
🗣️ Troy Aikman:
— The List - Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) February 4, 2026
"There have been production meetings with coaches who I didn't know - and when I meet them, I (thought) he's not going to be a coordinator long.
I thought Mike Vrabel was that guy. I thought DeMeco Ryans was that guy. I felt that way about Jeff Hafley in '24" pic.twitter.com/vTyign3JoQ
But Hafley isn’t just a one-year wonder. Before his stint in Green Bay, he spent four seasons as the head coach at Boston College, where he earned a reputation as a detail-oriented leader with a knack for building culture and accountability. That head coaching experience - even at the college level - gives him a leg up as he transitions into the NFL's top job.
Troy Aikman, who’s seen plenty of coaching talent come and go from his spot in the broadcast booth, didn’t mince words when talking about Hafley’s potential. On The List - Dolphins Podcast, the Hall of Famer recalled his first impression of Hafley during production meetings in 2024.
“There have been coaches who, when I had production meetings with them, I didn't know. As soon as I met them, I said he's not going to be a coordinator long, he's going to be a head coach real soon,” Aikman said.
“I thought Mike Vrabel was that guy. I thought DeMeco Ryans was that guy, and I tell you, I felt that way about Jeff Hafley in 2024.”
That’s high praise, especially when you consider the company. Vrabel, another former defensive coordinator, made an immediate impact in New England, leading the Patriots to a Super Bowl in his first season and reshaping the team’s identity with his no-nonsense, physical approach.
Of course, Aikman also offered a dose of realism. Hafley’s defensive pedigree is strong, but in today’s NFL - where high-powered offenses often dictate the terms - he’ll need to show he can manage both sides of the ball.
“I believe he checks all the boxes, I really do,” Aikman added. “But he does have the challenge of addressing the offensive side of the ball in an offensive league.”
That’s the tightrope Hafley now walks. He replaces Mike McDaniel, who went 35-33 over four seasons in Miami.
McDaniel brought innovation to the offense but couldn’t quite get the Dolphins over the hump. Hafley’s challenge will be different: build a complete team, not just a highlight-reel offense or a tough-nosed defense - but something that can win consistently in January.
The Dolphins believe they’ve found their guy. Now it’s on Hafley to prove them right.