MIAMI GARDENS ― NFL Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino and Troy Aikman ― once flashy, exciting superstars ― sat in the front row for the latest introduction of a new Miami Dolphins general manager and head coach.
Marino and Aikman were on the search committee and what they, owner Stephen Ross, executives Tom Garfinkel, Daniel Sillman and Brandon Shore all landed on this time wasn’t flashy at all.
Jon-Eric Sullivan (“call me Sully”) and Jeff Hafley (“call me Haf”) are two former colleagues from Green Bay and to get it straight, Sullivan didn’t hire Hafley because he’s his “friend,” but because he was convicted he was the best candidate for the head coach job.
Sully and Haf? And we mean this is most complimentary way possible: They are meat and potato guys. No flash. No spice. No salsa.
There is little South Florida buzz about these hires. But that doesn’t mean they can’t work.
The Dolphins, without a single playoff win for the past 25 seasons ― it would be hard to duplicate the ineptitude if you tried ― are going to try things the Green Bay way.
Think Midwest. Think simple recipes. Think meat and potatoes.
This is the new path vibrant, sexy Miami has chosen.
“We’ll build this from the inside out,” Sullivan said.
He spoke about line of scrimmage. Big. Tough. Resilient. Yes, the Dolphins will need a new QB in place (no official Tua announcements on this day) but Miami has to build an infrastructure first.
The plan will be intentional, deliberate and sustainable, said Sullivan, noting any big free agent fish will have to wait until the teams’ salary cap is healthy.
Miami Dolphins‘ Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan introduced
Sullivan and Hafley each became emotional, discussing where they have been and the support their families have provided. It’s clear they will work tirelessly to prove any skeptics wrong.
It’s clear they’ll have each others’ backs and are on the same page with a plan.
John Harbaugh (Giants), Kevin Stefanski (Falcons), Robert Saleh (Titans) and Mike Tomlin (retired, for now) were more famous and recognizable names.
Fans would have been more appeased by the hiring of Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, grandson of Dolphins legend Don Shula.
This search committee prioritized a new culture and approach over winning any opinion polls.
Hafley ― a head coach at Boston College for four years ― said he has learned how to tell players the truth even if it’s not what they want to hear. That it’s OK to tell them you love them.
In the end, Hafley plans to demand toughness, accountability and grind.
Dolphins’ Jeff Hafley once slept on air mattress
This is a guy once slept under a desk while working at the University of Pittsburgh.
This is a guy who once did team laundry at Division III Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
One clear first impression on Sullivan and Hafley: Humility, not arrogance.
That’s important when you come in wanting to instill a new culture ― one where you are going to push players harder then they have been in recent years. They have to know you care and they have to know you don’t always think you’re right.
“I’m going to earn trust,” Hafley said. “I’m not one to talk a lot.”
Hafley wants toughness. Physical toughness. Mental toughness.
And without question, Miami has needed some more of that.
“I know many of you are frustrated with the performance of the team. I am equally frustrated.” Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in rare public comments on this day.
He’s tasking two guys from the Packers to do things differently. And to produce different results.
“You’re going to get everything I have,” Hafley said.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan set tone for Dolphins changes
