The Miami Dolphins moved quickly to name Jeff Hafley as the 12th head coach in franchise history on Tuesday, turning to the veteran defensive coach after his recent success in the NFL.

Most recently the defensive coordinator in Green Bay, Hafley helped guide the Packers to a 20-13-1 regular season record and consecutive playoff appearances over the past two years. In 2024, Green Bay finished among the league’s elite defenses, ranking fifth in total defense, sixth in scoring defense and fourth in takeaways, while becoming one of only two teams to record at least 45 sacks and 30 takeaways. Despite struggling with injuries in 2025, the Packers again finished in the top half of the league in key defensive categories and produced multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections.

“Jeff is a man of integrity, intellect and great passion who players will buy into and play for,” recently-installed Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said. “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 towards that goal. I’m thrilled to go on this journey with him and together we will build a winner that this organisation deserves.”

Hafley brings 25 years of coaching experience to Miami, including nine seasons in the NFL, and, immediately before returning to the league, spent four seasons as head coach at Boston College (2020–23), leading the Eagles to bowl eligibility three times and a Wasabi Fenway Bowl victory in 2023. His tenure included significant defensive improvement and the development of multiple All-ACC performers and NFL Draft picks.

Hafley’s résumé also includes NFL assistant coaching stops with Tampa Bay, Cleveland and San Francisco, as well as collegiate roles at Ohio State, Rutgers and Pittsburgh. He now takes over in Miami charged with leading the Dolphins back to the postseason.

“I believe great things are ahead for the Miami Dolphins with Jeff Hafley leading the way,” team owner Stephen M. Ross claimed. “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.”