NFL news: Miami Dolphins begin new era under Jeff Hafley
The Miami Dolphins have officially ended the Mike McDaniel era, firing the head coach after a 7–10 season and consecutive years without playoff appearances.
Former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has been hired as the new head coach, whilst Jon-Eric Sullivan also joins from the Packers’ front office, stepping in as the franchise’s new general manager.
It was expected to be a busy offseason for Miami. Fans wanted a significant reset, and the Dolphins have responded, writes Florida News Blitz’s Jake Reed.
A difficult season for the Dolphins
It was another disappointing season for Miami, and ownership appears to feel the same way, opting for change at the very top of the organisation.
Rather than making minor adjustments, the Dolphins have chosen to reshape their leadership structure entirely, bringing in a head coach and general manager who share a background in Green Bay.
McDaniel’s departure brings an end to a run that showed moments of promise but was ultimately defined by inconsistency.
While his offensive creativity helped prevent Miami’s attack from becoming stale, sustained success seemed out of reach.
Despite the respect he earned during his time as head coach, patience wore thin after another season without progress.
In a results-driven league, a forward-thinking and creative mind can only buy so much time.
What does Jeff Hafley bring to Miami?
The appointment of Jeff Hafley signals a clear shift in direction. A defensive-minded coach, Hafley arrives from the Packers with a reputation for player development and player unity.
His style contrasts with McDaniel’s offensive focus, suggesting Miami are now searching for a more balanced identity, one that prioritises stability, particularly on defence.
With players such as Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson performing well in 2025, the foundations for a solid defensive unit may already be in place, despite the team’s overall struggles.
This will be his first head-coaching role in the NFL, but Miami will be hoping the structure and discipline he brings can deliver more consistent performances from a roster that undeniably has talent.
Supporting Hafley is newly appointed general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Sullivan brings a wealth of experience in player evaluation and roster development, having worked his way up from scout to vice president of player personnel with the Packers.
The shared background between the general manager and the head coach should allow for quicker and more transparent decision-making, whether in draft strategy or free-agency recruitment, an area Miami is expected to be heavily involved in this offseason.
The biggest question facing the new regime is the quarterback position.
McDaniel’s decision to bench Tua Tagovailoa late in the season was a bold move, but one that came as little surprise after a season of poor form.
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Quarterback questions
Attention will now turn to Hafley and Sullivan, and whether they choose to commit to a fresh start by bringing in a new quarterback.
With ownership's messaging suggesting a desire to draft and develop, significant roster reshaping seems inevitable.
There's already speculation about Packers quarterback Malik Willis, who impressed when filling in for Jordan Love during the 2025 season.
With Miami having already filled two of its major vacancies, a third Green Bay hire wouldn't be surprising.
Fans will be pleased to see Miami's leadership prioritising a long-term vision rather than short-term fixes. The Dolphins are hoping for a fresh start under a new general manager and head coach, believing they can finally move the franchise forward.
Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen. With Hafley and Sullivan now at the helm, the Dolphins are betting on a complete reset.
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