UPDATE: The Miami Dolphins have officially hired Jeff Hafley, the former defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, as their new head coach, sources confirm. This announcement comes just hours after Hafley interviewed for the position for the second time on January 19, 2026, signaling a bold move by the franchise as they aim to end a 25-year playoff drought.
This critical development follows the Dolphins’ recent reorganization, including the hiring of new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who is also a former colleague of Hafley’s in Green Bay. Under Hafley’s leadership, the Packers ranked ninth in yards allowed per game and were recognized for their defensive strength, which will be vital for Miami’s struggling defense.
In a show of support, Micah Parsons, the Packers’ star pass rusher, expressed his excitement for Hafley’s new role, stating on social media, “Genuinely happy for haf! Great guy great person! Gonna miss his energy!”
The Dolphins are under pressure to turn around their performance after failing to win a playoff game since December 30, 2000. Hafley’s hiring marks the eighth consecutive head coach for the Dolphins without prior NFL head coaching experience, illustrating a trend within the organization since Dave Wannstedt last held the position in 2000.
Before joining the Packers, Hafley served as the head coach at Boston College, where he posted a 22-26 record. His coaching journey spans multiple teams, including roles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers, along with a successful stint as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State in 2019.
As the Dolphins prepare for a new season, the future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains uncertain after he was benched late last season. Sullivan has highlighted key players like Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane as crucial building blocks moving forward.
With this urgent update, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how Hafley’s leadership will reshape the Dolphins heading into the upcoming season. The team’s next steps and strategies will be pivotal as they seek to break free from their longstanding playoff struggles. Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.