The Miami Dolphins are turning a new page, and at the center of it is Jeff Hafley - a coach known for his defensive mind, leadership presence, and ability to connect with players. The team officially announced Hafley as their new head coach on Monday, marking a significant shift in direction for a franchise that’s clearly aiming to build from the ground up with a unified vision.
Hafley, 46, arrives in Miami after spending the past two seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. His hiring comes on the heels of another major move by the Dolphins earlier this month - the addition of former Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager.
The connection between Hafley and Sullivan isn’t just convenient; it’s strategic. This is a pairing rooted in shared philosophy and mutual trust, and Miami’s front office is betting big on that chemistry translating to the field.
“Jeff is a man of integrity, intellect and great passion who players will buy into and play for,” Sullivan said in a statement. “He has a vision for the kind of team we will be and the ability to motivate them to move in one direction on the path towards that goal.”
That kind of alignment between coach and GM is critical in today’s NFL. It’s not just about X’s and O’s - it’s about culture, cohesion, and creating a locker room that believes in the mission. Hafley brings that kind of leadership.
Before his time with the Packers, Hafley built a résumé that spans more than two decades across both the NFL and college football. Most recently, he served as the head coach at Boston College from 2020 to 2023, where he compiled a 22-26 record and capped his tenure with a bowl game victory in his final season.
While the win-loss column may not jump off the page, the impact Hafley had on the program’s culture and defensive identity was clear. He brought toughness, discipline, and a player-first mindset - all of which will be crucial as he steps into a high-pressure NFL head coaching role.
Hafley’s college head coaching stint came after a standout season in 2019 as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Ohio State. That Buckeyes defense was among the nation’s best, and Hafley’s work with the secondary - a group loaded with NFL talent - helped elevate his profile quickly.
But Hafley’s roots in the league run deep. He coached defensive backs under Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers from 2016 to 2018, and before that held the same role with the Cleveland Browns (2014-15) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-13). He also cut his teeth at the college level with stops at Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and Albany - building a reputation as a detail-oriented coach who gets the most out of his players.
Now, he brings all of that experience to South Florida - a mix of NFL pedigree, college leadership, and a defensive mindset that could bring some much-needed edge to the Dolphins.
“I believe great things are ahead for the Miami Dolphins with Jeff Hafley leading the way,” said team chairman and owner Stephen M. Ross.
“Jeff is an accomplished coach with a proven track record as a leader and motivator. He has tenacity and grit, while at the same time establishing trust with his players in order to get the most out of them.”
Ross’s comments echo the central theme of this hire: leadership. Hafley’s not just being brought in to fix a defense or install a scheme - he’s being asked to help reshape the identity of the franchise, alongside Sullivan and the rest of the football operation.
The Dolphins are clearly looking to create something sustainable - not just a quick turnaround, but a foundation that can hold up over time. With Hafley and Sullivan now steering the ship, the pieces are in place.
The next step? Turning vision into results.