Who did the Miami Dolphins hire as their new head coach?

The Miami Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

What was Jeff Hafley's impact on the Green Bay Packers' defense?

Hafley significantly improved the Packers' defense, making it a top-10 unit in yards and points allowed by 2024.

How will Jeff Hafley's move affect the Chicago Bears?

The Bears will no longer face Hafley's defensive schemes twice a season within their division, though they will still play the Dolphins once next year.

Home / Sports / Packers DC Hafley Bolts to Dolphins Head Coach Role

Packers DC Hafley Bolts to Dolphins Head Coach Role

20 Jan

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Summary

Jeff Hafley, Packers' defensive coordinator, hired as Dolphins head coach.
Hafley significantly improved Green Bay's defense over two seasons.
Bears will face Hafley but no longer twice a season in the division.

Packers DC Hafley Bolts to Dolphins Head Coach Role

The Miami Dolphins have secured Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach, a move that alters the competitive landscape of the NFC North. Hafley's tenure with the Packers saw a significant defensive turnaround over two seasons, culminating in a top-10 unit by 2024 in total yards, rushing yards, and points allowed.

His defensive strategies proved particularly effective against the Chicago Bears, consistently outmaneuvering their offense. The Packers' defense became even more formidable in 2025 with the addition of pass rusher Micah Parsons, though his subsequent injury impacted the unit. This hiring means Bears' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will no longer face Hafley twice annually within the division.

While the Bears will still encounter Hafley and his team on the road during the upcoming season, his departure from Green Bay removes a consistent divisional challenge. This strategic shift for Miami signals their intent to bolster their coaching staff with proven defensive minds.