At a Glance
- The Miami Dolphins have struck a deal to hire Jeff Hafley as head coach.
- Hafley replaces Mike McDaniel, fired after four seasons and a 35-33 record.
- Owner Stephen Ross has never hired a coach with prior NFL head-coaching experience.
- Why it matters: The move continues Miami’s high-risk strategy and tees up a potential roster overhaul, including at quarterback.
The Miami Dolphins and Jeff Hafley have agreed to terms on a contract that will make the 46-year-old the franchise’s next head coach, a person familiar with the decision told Amanda S. Bennett on Monday. The person requested anonymity because paperwork had not been finalized.
Hafley steps in for Mike McDaniel, dismissed after a 7-10 campaign that extended the team’s playoff drought to two straight years. The Dolphins also fired longtime general manager Chris Grier during the season, creating a full-blown reset.
From Packers Coordinator to Miami’s Corner Office
Hafley’s rapid rise continues a whirlwind 24 months. He left Boston College after the 2023 season to become Green Bay’s defensive coordinator, working alongside Jon-Eric Sullivan, then the Packers’ vice president of player personnel. Sullivan was hired last week as Miami’s new GM, and the duo will reunite in South Florida.
The Dolphins conducted a second interview with Hafley earlier Monday before extending the offer. He beat out a crowded field that included:
- Kevin Stefanski (later hired by Atlanta)
- Klint Kubiak, Seattle offensive coordinator
- Robert Saleh, San Francisco defensive coordinator
- Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator
- Anthony Campanile, Jacksonville defensive coordinator
Ross’ Coaching Roulette
Owner Stephen Ross has owned the Dolphins since 2009. In that span he has hired:
| Coach | Tenure | 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 |
None had previous NFL head-coaching experience. Hafley continues the pattern.
McDaniel’s Final Season
McDaniel’s fourth year unraveled after a promising 3-1 September. The Dolphins lost nine of their last 13, finished 7-10, and missed the postseason. The collapse cost both the coach and Grier their jobs.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Uncertain Future
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa now sits on shaky ground. The 2020 first-round pick signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024 but was benched for the final three games of the 2025 season after throwing 15 interceptions-a career high and second most in the league.
His 2025 stat line:
- 2,660 passing yards
- 20 touchdowns
- 15 interceptions
- Career-low accuracy and mobility metrics
Tagovailoa is guaranteed $54 million for 2026. Releasing him would trigger significant salary-cap penalties, complicating any decision.
Hafley’s Coaching Path
Hafley’s résumé includes:
- 2016-2018: San Francisco 49ers defensive backs coach
- 2019-2020: Cleveland Browns secondary coach
- 2021-2023: Boston College head coach
- 2024-2025: Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator
He worked with Sullivan in Green Bay for both seasons.
What Comes Next
The Dolphins enter the offseason with:
- A new head coach in Hafley
- A new GM in Sullivan
- A quarterback decision looming on Tagovailoa
- A roster that finished 7-10 despite high expectations
The organization now turns to free agency and the draft to reshape a squad that has not won a playoff game since 2000.
Amanda S. Bennett reported from Tampa.
