Dolphins Fans Criticize Defensive Coordinator Hire

Fans argue head coach calling defense is a recipe for failure despite recent Super Bowl success of defensive-minded head coaches

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Dolphins fans are up in arms over the team's decision to have head coach Jeff Hafley call the defense, arguing that it is physically impossible for a coach to hold a play sheet and call plays at the same time. The fans point to the failures of past defensive-minded head coaches like Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin, and Pete Carroll as evidence that Hafley is doomed to fail, ignoring the recent Super Bowl success of coaches like Mike Macdonald who call their own defenses.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' defensive coordinator hire is a key offseason decision that will impact the team's performance next season. Fans are quick to criticize the move, but their arguments seem to be based more on unfounded assumptions than actual evidence of defensive-minded head coaches struggling to call their own defenses.

The details

Dolphins fans are up in arms over the team's decision to have head coach Jeff Hafley call the defense, arguing that it is physically impossible for a coach to hold a play sheet and call plays at the same time. They point to the failures of past defensive-minded head coaches like Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin, and Pete Carroll as evidence that Hafley is doomed to fail, ignoring the recent Super Bowl success of coaches like Mike Macdonald who call their own defenses.

  • The Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley as their new head coach in January 2026.

The players

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins who will be calling the team's defense.

Bill Belichick

The longtime head coach of the New England Patriots who has won six Super Bowls, often while also serving as the team's defensive coordinator.

Mike Tomlin

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers who has led the team to two Super Bowl appearances, with his former defensive coordinator admitting Tomlin was heavily involved in calling the defense.

Pete Carroll

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks who called the defense for years, leading the team to two Super Bowl appearances including a championship.

Mike Macdonald

The defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens who is currently in the Super Bowl after calling his own defense.

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The takeaway

Dolphins fans are quick to criticize the team's decision to have head coach Jeff Hafley call the defense, but their arguments seem to be based more on unfounded assumptions than actual evidence. While defensive-minded head coaches have had mixed results in the past, recent Super Bowl success of coaches like Mike Macdonald who call their own defenses suggests Hafley's approach may have merit, if given a chance to succeed.