The Miami Dolphins have found their next head coach - and they're going with a defensive mind who’s been steadily climbing the coaching ranks.
Jeff Hafley, most recently the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, is set to take over in Miami. The move marks Hafley’s first head coaching opportunity in the NFL, capping a journey that’s taken him from college sidelines to the pros and back again.
Hafley just wrapped up his second season leading the Packers' defense, and now he steps into the top job with the Dolphins. Known for his sharp defensive acumen and ability to connect with players, Hafley brings a blend of NFL experience and college leadership that Miami clearly values.
But his coaching roots go deeper than just Green Bay. Hafley made a major impression back in 2019 during his one season at Ohio State, serving as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach under Ryan Day.
That Buckeyes defense? It was a force.
Ohio State led the nation in total defense that year, giving up just 259.7 yards per game - a testament to Hafley’s aggressive, disciplined approach on that side of the ball. That unit helped launch several players to the NFL and reestablished Ohio State’s defensive identity after a shaky 2018.
After that standout season in Columbus, Hafley took the reins at Boston College, where he served as head coach for four years. While results varied, he was credited with instilling a strong culture and maximizing talent - something that likely appealed to the Dolphins as they looked for leadership beyond the Xs and Os.
This isn’t Hafley’s first stint in the NFL, either. Before his time at Ohio State, he spent seven years coaching defensive backs for teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers. That pro-level experience, combined with his development chops in college, gives him a well-rounded resume that’s tough to find.
With the hire, Hafley becomes the second active NFL head coach with Ohio State ties. He joins Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who not only played for the Buckeyes in the mid-90s but also coached there from 2011 to 2013 before jumping to the NFL coaching ranks.
For Miami, this is a big swing - bringing in a coach who’s never held the top job in the league but has earned respect at every stop. Hafley’s challenge now: take a talented Dolphins roster and turn potential into consistent production. If his track record is any indication, he’s more than ready for the moment.