Miami coach Jeff Hafley still cheering for Packers' Micah Parsons, just not as much

Hafley hopes to face Parsons' Packers early before the star pass rusher returns from injury.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an American football game, with the players and field abstracted into bold, angular shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the energy and intensity of the matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers.A cubist interpretation of the potential early-season clash between new Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley and his former star player Micah Parsons of the Packers.Denver Today

New Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley knows he'll face his former team, the Green Bay Packers, at some point this season. Hafley is hoping it's early in the season, before Packers star defensive end Micah Parsons returns from a torn ACL suffered late last year. Hafley, who was the Packers' defensive coordinator in 2025, is still a big fan of Parsons and believes he can break the single-season sack record this year, but would prefer not to face him right away with his new team.

Why it matters

Parsons is one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers, and his potential return from injury could have a major impact on the Packers' defense and any opponents they face. Hafley's history with Parsons and the Packers adds an interesting personal angle to this potential early-season matchup.

The details

Hafley said he hopes to face the Packers in Week 1, before Parsons is expected to return from his torn ACL suffered late last season. Parsons indicated he could miss the opening month, and Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said the team will not rush him back. However, Hafley believes Parsons could be ready sooner, saying 'Micah, I hope you're ready to play Week 1. And knowing Micah, he probably will be ready to play Week 1.' Hafley also reiterated his prediction that Parsons will break the single-season sack record this year, though he won't be there to help him do it as he was last season.

  • Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL late in the 2025 season.
  • Parsons indicated he could miss the opening month of the 2026 season.
  • The Packers open the 2026 season in Week 1.

The players

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who was previously the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers in 2025.

Micah Parsons

The star defensive end for the Green Bay Packers, who is recovering from a torn ACL suffered late in the 2025 season.

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers.

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What they’re saying

“There's a lot of reasons. There's a couple I can think of. One of my favorite guys might not be ready to play by then.”

— Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins Head Coach

“Micah, I hope you're ready to play Week 1. And knowing Micah, he probably will be ready to play Week 1.”

— Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins Head Coach

What’s next

The Packers' medical staff will continue to monitor Micah Parsons' recovery from his torn ACL, and the team will make a determination on his availability for the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This story highlights the personal connections and rivalries that can develop between coaches and players, even when they are on different teams. Hafley's history with Parsons and the Packers adds an interesting subplot to their potential early-season matchup, and Parsons' recovery timeline will be a key factor in determining the outcome.