Miami Dolphins open 2026 NFL season under new head coach Jeff Hafley

The Miami Dolphins begin the 2026 NFL regular season today with Jeff Hafley serving as the franchise's 15th head coach. Hafley, the former defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, signed a five-year contract to replace Mike McDaniel after being introduced to the organization on January 19. The new coach will call defensive plays from the sideline and intends to implement a scheme characterized by creative blitzing and player rotation to create confusion for opposing offenses. Before joining the NFL, Hafley spent four seasons as the head coach at Boston College, where he compiled a 22-26 record and reached three bowl games. The team opens its season schedule today against the Las Vegas Raiders. Following the road contest in Nevada, the Dolphins travel to San Francisco next week before returning home to Miami for a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

• 11:02 AMYahoo Sports — Meet new Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley