Jeff Hafley’s rise through the NFL coaching ranks has been anything but flashy - but it’s been undeniably effective. Two years ago, he joined the Green Bay Packers as their defensive coordinator without much national buzz. Fast forward to today, and he's landed one of the league’s most high-profile openings: head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins made it official on January 19, tapping Hafley to take over after parting ways with Mike McDaniel, who held the job for four seasons. At 46, Hafley steps into his first NFL head coaching role, bringing with him a blend of collegiate leadership experience and recent NFL success that clearly resonated with front offices around the league. In the past week alone, Hafley was a hot name, reportedly interviewing for nearly every open job before Miami locked him in.
Before his time in Green Bay, Hafley served as the head coach at Boston College, where he built a reputation for defensive discipline and player development. That background translated well in Green Bay, where his unit earned praise for its toughness and adaptability. It also earned him the attention of teams looking for a fresh voice and a defensive-minded leader.
Now, Hafley steps into a Miami franchise that’s been desperate for postseason relevance. The Dolphins have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons and haven’t won a playoff game in a staggering 25 years.
That’s not just a drought - it’s a generational gap. Hafley’s challenge will be to shift that narrative, and quickly.
He won’t be the only new face in the AFC East. In a stunning move, the Buffalo Bills fired longtime head coach Sean McDermott on the same day Hafley was hired.
That means the division will feature two new head coaches in 2026, with Mike Vrabel entering his second year in New England and Aaron Glenn doing the same with the New York Jets. It’s a full-on reset in a division that’s been chasing consistency since the Brady-Belichick era ended.
One of Hafley’s former players, All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, took to social media to share his thoughts on the hire. Parsons, who played under Hafley for a season in Green Bay, didn’t hold back his praise.
“Genuinely happy for haf!” Parsons wrote on X.
“Great guy great person! Gonna miss his energy!”
That energy - and Hafley’s ability to connect with players while demanding high-level performance - might be just what Miami needs. The Dolphins have talent on both sides of the ball, but the results haven’t matched the roster. Hafley’s task is to change that, to bring structure and identity to a team that’s been close, but not quite there.
It’s a big job. But if Hafley’s quick climb through the coaching ranks is any indication, he’s not one to shy away from a challenge.