Jeff Hafley responds to Matt LaFleur’s 'Packers South' label for the Dolphins

“I’m good with that. If that’s what he wants to call it, he can call it Packers South,” commented the Packers former defensive coordinator.

The nickname stems from a string of offseason decisions that have closely linked the Dolphins to the Packers. Miami hired general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, both of whom have prior connections to Green Bay. The Dolphins also brought in quarterback Malik Willis , who spent the 2025 season learning within the Packers’ system behind Jordan Love.

Jeff Hafley’s ties with Matt LaFleur and the Packers

Those ties have strengthened the belief that the Miami Dolphins are incorporating aspects of the Green Bay Packers approach, both in the front office and on the field, as part of a larger reset after a 7-10 season.

Hafley recognized his personal ties to Matt LaFleur while making it clear that their relationship will now be defined by competition moving forward.

“I love Matt. I’m grateful that Matt offered me the job when I was a college head coach. I took it and two years later I got to be a head coach, but I enjoyed my time with him,” Jeff Hafley said.

“He’s a great coach and he’s a great friend and a great person. But yeah, when we go to Lambeau I’m not interested in any of that but I’ll shake his hand and hug him after the game.”

Hafley’s remarks show a balance between acknowledging past relationships and setting a new direction as he begins his first year in charge of the Miami Dolphins. Even with several ties to the Green Bay Packers, the organization is focused on shaping its own path heading into the 2026 season.