In a recent press conference, Miami Dolphin Head Coach Jeff Hafley explained more of what he’s instilling in his players. From consistency to respect, Hafley is looking for his players to become well rounded players that react positively and consistently to what’s happening on and off the field.

Jordan Phillips – Hafley’s Example of Everyday Consistency

Jeff Hafley used clips of Jordan Phillips in a team meeting to illustrate the consistency he wants throughout Miami’s preparation.

“If you watch him in individual, it’s the same strain. It’s the same focus. It’s the same physicality,” Hafley said of Phillips. “When you watch him in a walkthrough, it almost looks full speed. The whole thing to me is just consistency in everything that he does.”

“He’s the type of guy that when he knows it’s third and seven, he turns and jogs off the field,” Hafley said. “This guy understands his role. He embraces his role.”

“Those are the unsung heroes. Those are the guys that don’t get credit,” Hafley said. He had shown clips of Phillips in the team meeting to illustrate the preparation he described.

“Would I love to see him in the pass rush continue to grow? Absolutely,” Hafley said. “Would I love to see him get a sack? Yeah.”

“I can’t imagine what his celebration would be like,” Hafley said, adding that he hopes to see it in the second half of the season.

Hafley’s Standard for Heated Exchanges Starts With Respect

When answering a question about language used toward officials and opponents, Coach Hafley emphasized the treatment of people rather than reciting prohibited words.

Hafley said he hadn’t received a book listing words that cannot be used even though one might exist. He just has a simple rule.

“I think it goes back to how you should treat people,” he said. “There’s times you’ve got to take a deep breath and take a step back before you say something that, one, you shouldn’t say, and two, you regret. You shouldn’t treat people a certain way.”

The Golden Rule Goes a Long Way, Even Today

“I think it goes back to the golden rule of treating people the right way with respect regardless of the situation,” Hafley said. “They’re not always going to be right. Just like we’re not going to always be right, and you have to respect that.”

He understands how hard it is for seasoned coaches, much less young and inexperienced players.

“If it’s hard for coaches in the moment, imagine how hard it is for a 21-year-old in the moment,” Hafley said. “We’ve got to continue to learn and teach and develop. The goal is to not hold grudges on that stuff and constantly improve.”