The Miami Dolphins are officially turning the page, ushering in a new era with fresh leadership at the top. On Thursday, the team will introduce Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach during a press conference at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens. It’s a pivotal moment for a franchise looking to reset and reestablish itself as a consistent contender in the AFC.
Jon-Eric Sullivan: A Front Office Veteran with Deep NFL Roots
Let’s start with the man now steering the Dolphins’ roster decisions. Jon-Eric Sullivan brings more than two decades of NFL front office experience to Miami, having spent his entire professional career with the Green Bay Packers. Starting as a scouting intern back in 2003, Sullivan climbed the ladder the hard way-through diligent work, a sharp eye for talent, and a deep understanding of roster construction.
Since 2022, he’s served as Green Bay’s vice president of player personnel, a role that had him working closely with Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on everything from draft strategy to free agency evaluations. That experience in a stable, successful organization like Green Bay should serve him well in Miami, where building a sustainable, winning culture is priority No. 1.
There’s also a personal connection to the game that runs deep for Sullivan. He’s the son of longtime NFL and college coach Jerry Sullivan, who retired in 2021 after more than 40 years in the business. That kind of football lineage-combined with his front office pedigree-adds another layer of credibility to his new role.
Jeff Hafley: Defensive Mind with Leadership Chops
On the sidelines, the Dolphins are handing the keys to Jeff Hafley, the former defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. Hafley steps into the head coaching role following an accelerated search process that picked up speed over the past several days. He replaces Mike McDaniel, who was let go earlier this month after four seasons at the helm.
Hafley’s known around the league for his ability to connect with players and get the most out of his units. He’s a coach who brings both intensity and trust-a combination that resonates in today’s NFL locker rooms. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross didn’t hold back in his endorsement, calling Hafley a “leader and motivator” with “tenacity and grit,” while also emphasizing his ability to earn players’ trust.
That’s the kind of leadership Miami needs right now. The roster has talent, but the team’s recent inconsistency has been frustrating for fans and front office alike. Hafley’s task is clear: establish a new tone, maximize the roster’s potential, and bring a level of toughness and accountability that translates into wins on Sundays.
A New Chapter Begins in South Florida
Together, Sullivan and Hafley represent a fresh start for the Dolphins-a new vision from the top down. There will be plenty of questions in the coming weeks: How will Sullivan approach the draft and free agency?
What kind of system will Hafley implement? And perhaps most importantly, how quickly can this new regime turn things around?
Thursday’s press conference will offer the first look at how these two leaders plan to shape the future of Dolphins football. For a franchise eager to move forward, this is more than just a new chapter-it’s a chance to rewrite the story entirely.