A new chapter is underway in Miami, and it starts with a fresh face at the helm. Former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is now calling the shots for the Dolphins, and while he's known for his defensive acumen, his first major decision is squarely on the other side of the ball: quarterback.
The Dolphins' quarterback situation is murky at best after a rocky 2025 campaign that saw Tua Tagovailoa struggle mightily and eventually lose his starting job. Now, with Hafley stepping in, the biggest question hanging over Miami’s offseason is whether Tagovailoa still has a future as the team’s QB1-or if it’s time to turn the page.
Hafley recently joined Peter Schrager on The Schrager Hour, where he was asked point-blank about the quarterback situation. While he didn’t offer specifics, Hafley made it clear that the organization isn’t flying blind.
“Let’s be honest, there will be conversation, and there has to be a plan because this league runs through that position,” Hafley said. “So, can I sit here right now and tell you what the plan is?
No. Have we had conversations?
Yeah. I'd be totally giving you a bunch of BS and lying to you if I told you that I had no plan.
Can I sit here and tell you what that plan is? No, I can't tell you.
And you already know the answer to that.”
That’s a coach keeping his cards close to the vest, but also acknowledging the obvious: Miami’s quarterback situation can’t stay as-is without a serious evaluation.
Tagovailoa’s 2025 season was, in a word, rough. In 14 starts, he threw for just 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns, but the real issue was ball security.
His 15 interceptions were a career-high, and they weren’t the kind you chalk up to bad luck-many were the result of poor decisions or late throws under pressure. Eventually, the Dolphins turned to rookie Quinn Ewers, signaling just how far Tua’s stock had fallen.
Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. There were flashes-moments where Tagovailoa looked like the guy who once led the league in passer rating.
Miami’s offensive line allowed pressure on over 20% of his dropbacks, and when Tua had a clean pocket, he showed he could still deliver the ball with accuracy and timing. But the NFL doesn’t wait for maybes, and Hafley knows that better than anyone.
That’s why the Dolphins are expected to explore both veteran and rookie quarterback options this offseason. Whether it’s bringing in a seasoned pro to compete or drafting a young arm to develop, Miami needs a Plan B-and maybe even a Plan C.
We’ve seen this approach work before. Just look at the Colts, who brought in Daniel Jones to compete for the starting job.
Before his injury, Jones looked like a seamless fit in their system. Miami could follow a similar blueprint: bring in competition, raise the level of play, and see who emerges.
The bottom line? Tua Tagovailoa’s time in Miami isn’t necessarily over, but the margin for error has shrunk.
Jeff Hafley has a lot to figure out in his first year, but nothing looms larger than the decision under center. Whether it’s Tua, Ewers, or someone not yet on the roster, the Dolphins’ future hinges on getting the quarterback position right.