Dolphins hire Jeff Hafley as new head coach

Field Level Media|published: Mon 19th January, 21:31 2026

Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley does a selfie with fans before their game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Solider Field in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley as their new head coach on Monday, the same day he had a second interview with the club.

Hafley spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers.

"Jeff is a man of integrity, intellect and great passion who players will buy into and play for," said Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. "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 toward that goal.

"I'm thrilled to go on this journey with him and together we will build a winner that this organization deserves."

Hafley was scheduled to interview for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching position on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old succeeds the dismissed Mike McDaniel as Miami's coach. McDaniel went 35-33 in four seasons with the Dolphins, including 7-10 in 2025.

"I believe great things are ahead for the Miami Dolphins," said 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.

"I am excited to see where Jeff leads us, alongside Jon-Eric Sullivan and our entire football operation, as we seek to return the Dolphins to sustained success."

Miami announced the completion of the second interview shortly before his hiring was announced.

General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan also came from Green Bay after 22 seasons in the organization. He has a high level of familiarity with Hafley.

Formerly a head coach at Boston College, Hafley compiled a 22-26 record in four seasons (2020-23) at the school.

Hafley also had NFL jobs coaching defensive backs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-13), Cleveland Browns (2014-15) and San Francisco 49ers (2016-18). He also was co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Ohio State in 2019.

Earlier Monday, the Dolphins confirmed they interviewed Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard for the head job.

--Field Level Media

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