Dolphins Conclude 10th Interview, Ready to Hire Hafley

On January 19, 2026, the Miami Dolphins have concluded their coaching search and are prepared to hire Jeff Hafley as their new head coach. This decision comes after an extensive review of ten candidates.

Dolphins’ Coaching Search: Key Updates

Final Interviews and Candidate Selection

By 5 p.m., the Dolphins officially hired Jeff Hafley, who served as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Hafley was the only candidate selected for a second interview, reflecting the Dolphins’ clear intent from the beginning of the search.

• 10 candidates initially interviewed
• Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan previously worked together in Green Bay
• Hafley brings prior head coaching experience from Boston College

Compliance with the Rooney Rule

Before their final decision on Hafley, Miami ensured compliance with the NFL’s Rooney Rule. They conducted interviews with two minority candidates:

• Patrick Graham – Defensive Coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders
• Kelvin Sheppard – Defensive Coordinator of the Detroit Lions

These interviews were conducted on the same day that Hafley met with Dolphins ownership, paving the way for his hiring.

Decision Timeline and Competitors

Hafley’s hiring comes with high expectations. His experience as a defensive leader and strong rapport with Sullivan were critical factors. However, the Dolphins considered another candidate, Sean McDermott, who had been fired from the Buffalo Bills. McDermott boasts an impressive record of 98 wins and 50 losses over nine seasons.

While Hafley has a positive relationship with the Dolphins’ management, McDermott’s established success made the decision challenging. The Dolphins face pressure to finalize their coaching choice, with Hafley also receiving interest from other teams, such as the Tennessee Titans.

The Future

The Dolphins now look ahead to Hafley’s tenure, expecting him to reignite the team’s competitive edge. As the organization moves forward, fans will be eager to see how Hafley implements his strategies on the field.