The Miami Dolphins‘ decision to bring in Jeff Hafley as their next head coach, replacing Mike McDaniel after a 7-10 season in 2025, has stirred a wide range of reactions around the league.
Among the most eyecatching responses came not from Miami, but from star Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons, who shared an unequivocally warm sentiment about his former defensive coordinator as Hafley‘s next chapter begins.
On X, Parsons wrote:
“Genuinely happy for Haf! Great guy great person! Gonna miss his energy!”
It’s a brief message, but one that stands out for its sincerity and respect between player and coach.
The post arrived shortly after the Dolphins finalized Hafley‘s hiring, underscoring the professional bond formed during Parsons‘ short but impactful time in Green Bay.
Miami‘s choice to hire Hafley comes amid a broader reshuffle in football leadership across the NFL.
The Dolphins conducted interviews with multiple candidates before settling on Hafley, who most recently served as defensive coordinator for the Packers for two seasons.
Prior to that, he was head coach at Boston College from 2020 to 2023.
How Miami hopes to reset with Hafley at the helm
Statements from Dolphins ownership and management emphasized not only Hafley‘s coaching rsum but also his leadership qualities and vision for team culture.
Chairman Stephen M. Ross said in the team’s official announcement that he believes “great things are ahead for the Miami Dolphins with Jeff Hafley leading the way.”
Ross added that Hafley‘s “tenacity and grit” and his ability to build trust with players will be instrumental to future success.
General Manager JonEric Sullivan, himself a recent arrival from Green Bay, described Hafley as “a man of integrity, intellect, and great passion who players will buy into and play for.”
Sullivan also highlighted Hafley‘s clear vision for the Dolphins‘ direction, calling the partnership “a journey” toward building a winning culture.
It’s a fresh start for a franchise that has struggled to find consistency. Although Miami has a roster with highprofile talent, including key offensive and defensive playmakers, it has failed to make a deep playoff run in recent seasons.
Management hopes Hafley‘s defensive mindset and emphasis on structure will translate into a stronger foundation.
For fans and analysts alike, the reaction to Hafley‘s hire has been mixed. Some applaud Miami Dolphins‘ bold pivot after McDaniel‘s tenure ended; others question whether a coach without prior NFL head coaching experience represents the most obvious choice for turning around the franchise.
Social media discussions reflect this divide, with Dolphins supporters offering both optimism and skepticism about the hire and its potential impact.