Dolphins to undergo 'big shift' with Hafley
Patrick Daugherty and Denny Carter explore how Jeff Hafley's philosophies as the Dolphins' new head coach will represent a major shift for Miami on both sides of the ball in 2026 and beyond.
Video Transcript
The head coaching dominoes have begun falling in earnest.
Danny Carter.
That includes the Miami Dolphins.
They have found their replacement for offensive-minded Mike McDaniel.
It's defensive-minded Jeff Hafley, the former DC of the Green Bay Packers.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are reports that he will.
Quote, "Prioritize physicality and toughness."
How might that manifest in Miami?
Which needs some physicality and some toughness?
Well, right, it would be a big shift from how this team operated under Mike McDaniel.
If you remember back in 2022, the team really prioritized speed.
Especially on offense.
Uh, not so much size.
Not so much physicality.
Well, the league has changed pretty dramatically over the past three years, tilting more toward the defense.
More toward the run game.
I'd expect the 2026 Dolphins to be more run-heavy.
More conservative overall, uh, bigger formations, bigger players on both sides ball, and honestly, an improved defense under Hafley.
Because we're talking about a Miami defense that had one of the worst against the pass, one of the worst success rates in the league vs. the run.
Things got worse as the season went on, so Hafley has his work cut out for him.
Defensive side of the ball.
We'll find out how much of a Micah Parsons Merchant Jeff Hafley really was.
But forget not your grandfather's Dolphins.
This will not be your grandnephew's Dolphins.
Uh, tough football.
Physical football coming back to Miami.
