Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is apparently a hot candidate in the head coaching carousel. Six of eight teams with openings have lined him up for interviews. Now he’s up for round two, in-person, for the Dolphins gig. Green Bay fans might be closer to losing their DC than an optimistic outlook would have suggested at the beginning of the interview cycle.
Hafley makes waves in head coaching search for Dolphins
Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
The Miami Dolphins are setting up in-person head coaching interviews for early this week, including with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, which would be his second interview with the team, per sources. pic.twitter.com/X5V4VaVqqJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 17, 2026
While Hafley’s name was thrown around as a candidate for multiple jobs, his relative lack of experience would seem to put him behind the sticks. His only head coaching job was for Boston College from 2020-23. Becoming Packers DC in 2024 was his highest-ranked position in the NFL. Prior to that, he was a defensive backs coach for Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and San Francisco.
His lack of a resume has turned some fans against him as a candidate. Dolphins faithful, for one, hope the team goes elsewhere. Unfortunately for them – and for Packers fans hoping sticks around – Miami brass likes Hafley enough to call him back for an in-person look.
Matt LaFleur may be set to return as Green Bay’s head coach, but if Hafley leaves, the team will have a decision to make regarding his replacement.
Defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington is one candidate, but other teams, like the Cowboys, are looking at him for their own coordinator openings. He might not be available.
If the Dolphins do pluck Hafley from their bevy of candidates, it would be a stark transition from the offensive-minded Mike McDaniel, whom the team fired after four seasons and a 35-33 overall record.
For More Great Wisconsin Content
Follow me on X at @ezsniper14 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
