Dolphins Steal 'Rising Star' Packers Coach to Lead Defense

New Miami head coach Jeff Hafley reveals how he convinced Sean Duggan to join him as Dolphins' defensive coordinator

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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As new Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley assembles his coaching staff, he has brought in a rising star from his former team, the Green Bay Packers. Hafley hired 32-year-old Sean Duggan to be the Dolphins' defensive coordinator, despite Packers head coach Matt LaFleur wanting to keep Duggan in Green Bay. Hafley praised Duggan as a 'rising star' who will allow Hafley to focus on being the head coach while Duggan runs the defense.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are looking to build a strong coaching staff as they enter a crucial 2026 offseason, and Hafley's ability to lure Duggan away from the Packers is seen as a major coup. Duggan has a history with Hafley, having coached under him at Boston College, and his youth and potential make him an exciting addition to the Dolphins' staff.

The details

After Hafley took the Miami job, he discussed the coaches he would bring with him from Green Bay, with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur saying he wanted to keep linebackers coach Sean Duggan. But Hafley was determined to bring Duggan to Miami as the Dolphins' new defensive coordinator. Hafley praised the 32-year-old Duggan as a 'rising star' in the NFL who will allow Hafley to focus on being the head coach while Duggan runs the defense.

  • On February 6, 2026, Hafley was announced as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

The players

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who previously worked with Sean Duggan at Boston College.

Sean Duggan

The 32-year-old linebackers coach for the Green Bay Packers, who Hafley hired to be the Dolphins' new defensive coordinator.

Matt LaFleur

The head coach of the Green Bay Packers, who wanted to keep Sean Duggan on his staff.

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What they’re saying

“Ultimately [LaFleur and I] decided that it was best for Sean to come here. And I say that not because he's been with me for eight or nine years, whatever it's been. I say that I think he's a rising star, and he's going to allow me to be the head coach of his team.”

— Jeff Hafley, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins (ESPN)

What’s next

Hafley and Duggan will work to finalize the Dolphins' coaching staff and prepare for the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

Hafley's ability to lure the highly-regarded Duggan away from the Packers is a strong early statement about his vision for the Dolphins. Duggan's youth and potential make him an exciting addition to the Miami coaching staff as they look to build a winner.