Former Packers Coordinator Hafley Grateful for LaFleur's Faith

New Dolphins head coach credits Packers coach for giving him NFL opportunity

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:30pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game or coaching interaction, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the strategic and emotional dynamics between the two coaches.The cross-pollination of coaching talent between the Packers and Dolphins could lead to increased competition between the two teams.Today in Miami

Former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is grateful to head coach Matt LaFleur for giving him a chance to return to the NFL, a move that ultimately led to Hafley being hired as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Hafley credits LaFleur's leadership and coaching style for helping prepare him for his new role.

Why it matters

Hafley's journey from Boston College head coach to Packers coordinator to Dolphins head coach highlights the growing influence of LaFleur's coaching tree, with several former Packers assistants and players now in Miami. This cross-pollination of talent could lead to increased competition between the two teams in the coming years.

The details

Hafley walked away from his head coaching job at Boston College two years ago to become the Packers' defensive coordinator, a gamble that paid off as Green Bay made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Hafley was then hired as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins in January, becoming the first Packers defensive coordinator to be promoted directly to an NFL head coaching position since 1968.

  • Hafley joined the Packers as defensive coordinator in 2024.
  • The Packers made the playoffs in 2024 and 2025 with Hafley as coordinator.
  • Hafley was hired as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins in January 2026.

The players

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers.

Matt LaFleur

The head coach of the Green Bay Packers, who gave Hafley the opportunity to return to the NFL as his defensive coordinator.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The general manager of the Miami Dolphins, who previously worked in the Packers' front office.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just so grateful that Matt gave me the opportunity to come back to the NFL because he changed my life. He gave me the opportunity to come back to the NFL and all of a sudden, I'm a head coach again. Not only do I love him as a person, but I think he's one of the best coaches in our league.”

— Jeff Hafley, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins

“They're taking everybody”

— Matt LaFleur, Head Coach, Green Bay Packers

What’s next

The Dolphins and Packers will meet this upcoming season, giving Hafley a chance to reunite with his former boss LaFleur.

The takeaway

Hafley's journey from Boston College to Green Bay to Miami showcases the growing influence of LaFleur's coaching tree, with several former Packers assistants and players now taking on key roles in South Florida. This cross-pollination of talent could lead to increased competition between the two teams in the coming years.