From New Jersey Roots to the NFL Spotlight: Jeff Hafley Takes Over Miami Dolphins

Jeff Hafley’s coaching career has hit a huge milestone in college football and the NFL. The next Jersey native and former Rutgers assistant coach is the next Miami Dolphins head coach, highlighting his fast climb in professional football coaching.

Montvale, New Jersey native Hafley gets this chance after two seasons as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator. His defense improved and became consistent, finishing 11th in points allowed and 14th in total yards allowed last season. Those results helped Hafley become an NFL head coach contender.

Before joining Green Bay, Hafley had a broad NFL and college football resume. Previously, he coached defensive backs for the 49ers, Browns, and Buccaneers. His Buccaneers coach was Greg Schiano, who eventually became Rutgers’ head coach. On Schiano’s Rutgers staff for one season, Hafley was respected for his recruitment and player development, even while teaching wide receivers.

Four seasons as Boston College’s head coach. He went 22–26 and led the team to three bowl games in four years. The Fenway Bowl victory over ranked SMU completed his 7–6 season on a bright note. A close loss to Rutgers in the 2022 season opener symbolized his bond to New Jersey football during his time at Boston College.

Hafley replaces four-season Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. The selection shows faith in Hafley’s defensive skills, leadership, and adaptability across levels. As a local coach with Rutgers ties takes on one of the most demanding professional sports jobs, many in New Jersey are proud.

Hafley will face great expectations as Dolphins coach, but his record suggests he can handle it. His climb from college assistant to NFL head coach highlights years of steady improvement, hands-on expertise, and results-driven performance, making this one of the season’s most carefully observed coaching changes.