Jeff Hafley Prioritizes Familiarity While Filling Out Miami Dolphins Coaching Staff
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley continued to shape his inaugural staff on Saturday, announcing several key hires that underscore a philosophy deeply rooted in familiarity and trust. Of the 12 coaching appointments confirmed thus far, eight are individuals who have previously worked alongside Hafley, a strategy that offers immediate cohesion but often raises questions regarding the diversity of external perspectives within a new regime.
Addressing his reliance on past associates, Hafley emphasized that personal connection is paramount to navigating the rigors of an NFL season. “When you look at hiring a staff, the number one [consideration] is you win with people,” Hafley stated in an interview with team media. “We are going to go through adversity together. You have to have people that you trust that when things get hard, they’re not going to change who they are and they are going to rise up.”
Among the most significant additions is offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Slowik, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans and worked with Hafley during their tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, is tasked with revitalizing a Dolphins attack that is transitioning following the departure of former head coach Mike McDaniel. Hafley described the decision to hire Slowik as a “no-brainer,” citing his intelligence and their shared history. Joining Slowik is special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, another former colleague from Hafley’s time with the Cleveland Browns.
The defensive staff is also taking form, though the pivotal defensive coordinator position remains unfilled. Reports indicate that Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan is a strong contender for the role. Duggan previously worked under Hafley at Boston College and Green Bay. In the interim, the Dolphins have secured Al Washington as linebackers coach. Washington, formerly the defensive line coach at Notre Dame, has a history with Hafley dating back to their time at Ohio State in 2019. Other confirmed hires include cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae, running backs coach Ladell Betts, receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, and assistant defensive line coach Chuck Ndulue.
While the emphasis on reunion hires establishes a foundation of loyalty, the approach is not without potential drawbacks. Critics often argue that heavy reliance on a “coaching tree” can insulate a head coach from necessary dissenting voices or fresh strategic innovations. However, Hafley noted that his staff includes four assistants with whom he has no prior working relationship, suggesting an attempt to balance established trust with new professional dynamics.
Background context surrounds the team’s financial landscape as well. The NFL reportedly informed teams of a projected 2026 salary cap between $301.2 million and $305.7 million. Despite this increase, the Dolphins are projected to be approximately $25 million over the cap if the limit is set at the higher end, presenting immediate fiscal challenges for the new leadership as they assemble the roster.
Meanwhile, the future of former defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver remains uncertain. Weaver is currently a finalist for the Arizona Cardinals head coaching position. Should he be hired, the Dolphins would receive third-round compensatory draft picks in 2026 and 2027, providing valuable assets for Hafley’s rebuilding efforts.
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