At a Glance
- The Miami Dolphins have agreed to hire Jeff Hafley as head coach
- Hafley replaces Mike McDaniel, who was fired after four seasons
- Owner Stephen Ross has never hired a coach with prior NFL head-coaching experience
- Why it matters: The move continues Miami’s trend of betting on unproven leaders amid a looming quarterback overhaul
The Miami Dolphins and Jeff Hafley have reached an agreement to make the former Boston College head coach and Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator their next head coach, a team source told News Of Philadelphia.
Michael A. Turner confirmed the hiring Monday, speaking with a person who requested anonymity because a contract had not been finalized.
Hafley, 46, will replace Mike McDaniel, who was dismissed after compiling a 35-33 record over four seasons. The Dolphins also fired longtime general manager Chris Grier during the season, clearing the way for a front-office reset.
Second interview seals the deal
Hafley met with the Dolphins for a second interview earlier Monday before receiving the offer. He will reunite with new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, with whom he worked the past two seasons in Green Bay.
Hafley’s résumé
- 2024: Left Boston College to become Packers defensive coordinator
- 2016-2018: San Francisco 49ers defensive backs coach
- 2014-2015: Cleveland Browns secondary coach
Sullivan spent 22 seasons with the Packers before taking Miami’s GM job. He served most recently as Green Bay’s vice president of player personnel.
Ross continues trend
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has not hired a coach with previous NFL head-coaching experience since purchasing majority control in 2009. His past hires:
| Coach | Years | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Philbin | 2012-2015 | 24-28 |
| Adam Gase | 2016-2018 | 23-25 |
| Brian Flores | 2019-2021 | 24-25 |
| Mike McDaniel | 2022-2025 | 35-33 |
McDaniel’s departure
McDaniel was fired after finishing 7-10 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The record triggered an organizational reset that is expected to include finding a new quarterback and moving on from former first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa benched
Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season after throwing for 2,660 yards and 20 touchdowns. His production dropped in accuracy and mobility, and he finished with 15 interceptions-second most in the NFL and a career high.
Contract complications
- Signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024
- Guaranteed $54 million for 2026
- Releasing him would create significant salary-cap hits
Search process
The Dolphins interviewed multiple candidates before settling on Hafley:
- Former Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski (hired by Atlanta)
- Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak
- San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh
- Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula
- Jacksonville defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile
Monday also saw the firings of Pete Carroll and Kevin Stefanski, adding to the NFL’s coaching carousel.
Michael A. Turner reported from Tampa.
