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Dolphins make decision on their new head coach

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 8:39 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins have reportedly zeroed in on the team’s next head coach.

Several reporters confirmed on Monday that the Dolphins are hiring Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to succeed Mike McDaniel as the head coach in Miami. The Dolphins officially announced the news shortly after.

We have agreed to terms with Jeff Hafley to become our head coach. pic.twitter.com/boqhQH9jxK
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 20, 2026

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, it’s a “done deal” that the Dolphins are signing Hafley to a five-year contract.

Rapoport added that Hafley “blew everyone away” during his first interview with the Dolphins. There were reportedly “several” teams hoping to bring Hafley in for a second interview, which pushed Miami to get a deal done right away. Hafley was immediately considered the frontrunner for the position after his first interview with the Dolphins.

Hafley was named the Packers’ defensive coordinator in January 2024 after five seasons as the head coach at Boston College. His impact was immediately felt upon arrival.

Under Hafley, the Packers were top 10 in total defense (5th, 314.5 ypg), run defense (7th, 99.4 ypg), scoring defense (6th, 19.9 ppg), yards allowed per play (5th, 5.16), takeaways (4th, 31), and sacks (T-8th, 45).

After being under an offense-focused mind in McDaniel for four seasons, the Dolphins may be looking to build a defensive identity with Hafley at the helm.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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