Jan. 17, 2026, 1:52 p.m. CT
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has emerged as the leading candidate for the Miami Dolphins head coaching position, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Hafley, who has served as Matt LaFleur’s defensive coordinator over the last two seasons, impressed during a virtual interview and will be among the in-person interviews with the Dolphins, who are attempting to replace Mike McDaniel after a 7-10 finish in 2025.
The Dolphins recently hired long-time Packers personnel executive Jon-Eric Sullivan to take over as general manager, so there would be familiarity with Hafley if Miami does decide to hire him as the team’s next head coach.
Matt LaFleur and the Packers have been expecting Hafley to get one of the open jobs during this cycle. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Packers have already begun doing work on potential defensive coordinator replacements.
Potential candidates could include Packers defensive line coach/run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington, Packers defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator Derrick Ansley, former Falcons coach Raheem Morris, former Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, Broncos pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard, Eagles passing game coordinator Christian Parker, Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr and Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
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Hafley, who spent seven years at the NFL coaching defensive backs before eventually becoming the head coach at Boston College, improved the Packers to sixth in scoring defense in 2024. Green Bay finished 11th in scoring in 2025 but didn’t have Micah Parsons over the final four games.