The Miami Dolphins continue to work through their head coaching search, evaluating candidates and scheduling additional interviews. While no final decision has been made, new reporting has provided clarity on which direction the process may be trending.
Jeff Hafley Emerges as Dolphins’ Frontrunner as Search Continues
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has emerged as a leading candidate for Miami’s head coaching vacancy. Pelissero noted that the Dolphins have not finalized a decision and that more interviews are planned, but Hafley currently appears to be at the front of the group.
Hafley’s momentum comes amid significant league-wide interest. Pelissero added that four other teams have requested second interviews with Hafley during this hiring cycle, underscoring how sought after he has become. Even with that competition, Miami remains strongly connected to the Packers’ defensive coordinator as the search progresses.
Additional context came from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who pointed to the influence of Miami’s newly hired general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan. Rapoport noted that familiarity with Sullivan could be an essential factor as the Dolphins look to align leadership across the organization.
“The familiarity with Jon-Eric Sullivan, the new GM, will be hard to beat,” Rapoport wrote. “Not impossible. But a challenge.”
The familiarity with Jon-Eric Sullivan, the new GM, will be hard to beat. Not impossible. But a challenge. https://t.co/MLVoFCjwIr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2026
Hafley joined Green Bay as defensive coordinator ahead of the 2024 season after spending four years as head coach at Boston College. Under his leadership, the Packers finished 16th in PFSN’s Defense Impact Rankings (DEFi) this season, after ranking 11th in 2024.
His background includes extensive experience across college football and the NFL. Hafley previously held assistant coaching roles at Ohio State, Michigan, and with the San Francisco 49ers, building a résumé centered on defensive development and organizational leadership.
Miami’s coaching search follows significant organizational changes that unfolded throughout the season. The Dolphins parted ways with head coach Mike McDaniel after the regular season concluded, ending his tenure following a disappointing finish that fell short of expectations. General manager Chris Grier was dismissed earlier in the season as part of a broader reset.
No timeline has been announced for a final hire, and Miami is expected to continue interviews before narrowing its focus further. With multiple teams pursuing Hafley and internal factors still in play, the situation remains fluid as the Dolphins move closer to a decision.
