Dolphins' Hire of Jeff Hafley Could Complicate Steelers’ Quarterback Search
The Miami Dolphins’ decision to bring in Jeff Hafley as their new head coach could have ripple effects well beyond South Florida - and one of the teams feeling that impact might just be the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hafley, fresh off a two-year stint with the Green Bay Packers, steps into his first NFL head coaching role with a rising reputation and a defensive pedigree. But it’s his recent ties to Green Bay - and a potential shared interest in a quarterback - that could directly intersect with Pittsburgh’s offseason plans.
The Steelers, now under the direction of veteran coach Mike McCarthy, also have ties to Green Bay, where McCarthy led the Packers from 2006 to 2018. While McCarthy brings a proven résumé and a history of developing quarterbacks, Hafley offers a fresh voice and familiarity with some of the league’s younger talents - including one free agent QB who might be on both teams’ radar: Malik Willis.
Malik Willis: A Wild Card in a Crowded QB Market
Willis isn’t coming off a Pro Bowl campaign, but he’s back on the radar after earning eight starts over the past two seasons. He’s not being viewed as a long-term franchise cornerstone - at least not yet - but in the right situation, he could be a high-upside bridge starter. Think along the lines of Justin Fields last year: raw, athletic, and still figuring things out, but intriguing enough to warrant a real look.
The Steelers know Willis well. Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, there was legitimate buzz that Pittsburgh might take the Liberty standout with their first-round pick.
Instead, they went with Kenny Pickett - a decision that raised eyebrows then and has only looked shakier in hindsight. Pickett went in the first round; Willis slid to the third.
Fast forward to now, and both are viewed more as backups than franchise guys, but Willis’ arm talent and mobility still catch attention in league circles.
A Familiar Face in Miami
Here’s where things get tricky for Pittsburgh: Hafley and Willis have a shared history from their time in Green Bay. That connection could give Miami an edge if the Dolphins decide to move on from Tua Tagovailoa and explore short-term quarterback options. Willis, with his upside and familiarity with Hafley’s style, could make sense as a one-year stopgap while the Dolphins recalibrate their long-term QB plan.
If that happens, Pittsburgh might not even get a shot at him.
Steelers’ QB Room Still in Flux
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is far from settled. Pickett hasn’t solidified his role as the future, and if the team opts not to bring back Aaron Rodgers - whose name has been floated in connection with the Steelers - they’ll be in the market for someone who can at least push for the starting job in 2026.
Willis checks a few boxes: young, mobile, and still developing. And with McCarthy’s track record of working with quarterbacks, Pittsburgh could see him as a worthwhile project - someone who could benefit from a more structured offensive environment.
But the question becomes: how much will Willis command on the open market? And how much does his connection to Hafley weigh into his decision?
Miami in the Driver’s Seat?
Right now, the Dolphins appear to be the frontrunners. If they decide to part ways with Tua, Hafley’s presence and the chance for Willis to start fresh in a familiar system could be a strong draw. That would leave Pittsburgh needing to pivot - perhaps toward another free agent, a trade, or even a quarterback in the draft.
The Steelers’ interest in Willis isn’t new - it dates back to draft night in 2022. But if they want a second shot at him, they may have to act quickly. Because with Hafley now calling the shots in Miami, Pittsburgh’s path to adding the young quarterback just got a little more complicated.