Dolphins line up interviews with Jeff Hafley and Kelvin Sheppard 🐬🎤

The Miami Dolphins are narrowing their head-coach search around Jeff Hafley, with Hafley securing a second in-person interview. Although he has never served as an NFL head coach, Hafley brings college head coaching experience to the table, and he’s emerged as the frontrunner in Miami’s early process. 🏈✨

Hafley’s resume includes a 22-26 record at Boston College, where he won the Fenway Bowl and finished with a 7-6 mark in his final season. Before taking the top job at BC, he was the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, showcasing his repertoire on the defensive side of the ball. 🧭💥

His background also includes time in the NFL as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Buccaneers, Browns, and 49ers. Beyond Miami, Hafley has already met with other franchises such as the Cardinals, Browns, and Raiders as they conduct their own coaching searches. 🔍🏟️

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Hafley’s first interview with the Dolphins vaulted him into a heavy frontrunner position. He reportedly impressed in a virtual session, and his prior work with Dolphins’ new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan in Green Bay, combined with college head-coaching experience, positions him as the leading candidate in Miami’s view. 🧠🔥

The Dolphins will also interview Kelvin Sheppard, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, who adds familiarity to the franchise—he’s a former Dolphins linebacker with roots in Florida. However, Sheppard lacks head-coaching experience. His career path includes LSU’s director of player development and a rapid rise through the Lions’ coaching staff to DC in 2024, with Lions coach Dan Campbell praising his adaptability. 🗺️🏡

Ultimately, the Dolphins hope both candidates continue to impress as they weigh their options, with Hafley currently viewed as the top choice while Sheppard remains a compelling, familiar alternative. The process remains open, and no decision has been announced yet. 🤞⏳