Reports: Dolphins choose Jeff Hafley as new head coach

Field Level Media|published: Mon 19th January, 18:02 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 reportedly decided to hire 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.

Hafley, 46, was scheduled to interview for the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching position on Tuesday.

Hafley will succeed the dismissed Mike McDaniel as Miami's coach. McDaniel went 35-33 in four seasons with the Dolphins, including 7-10 in 2025.

The Dolphins didn't immediately announce Hafley's hiring. They did announce the completion of the second interview shortly before news reports of his hiring emerged.

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

Hafley was formerly a head coach at Boston College, compiling 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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