Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley spoke to the media and broke down his relationship with former head coach Dave Wannstedt.
There might not be a more recognizable Miami Dolphins head coach (other than Don Shula) than Dave Wannstedt. The former coach led the team to two playoff berths and an overall 42-31 record between the 2000 and 2004 seasons.
Wannstedt was just one of many Dolphins legends who attended practice, which included Hall of Famer Zach Thomas. While speaking to the media ahead of the second week of mini-camp, current head coach Jeff Hafley broke down his relationship with the coaching legend.
"It was great having him around," Hafley said. "You guys know he was one of my biggest mentors. He really gave me my first break in Division I football. I spent five years with him."
Hafley is alluding to Wannstedt bringing him on as a graduate assistant in 2006. Following his exit from the Dolphins, the former head coach would lead Pittsburgh from 2005 to 2010.
"I talk to him, probably once a week. I call him, sometimes I would text him right before kickoff. A guy, if I ever need to clear my head, or ask him a question or see big picture or ask him for advice ... We've always been really close. He is always welcome here," Hafley said.
Hafley also spoke about the excitement of having Thomas being there alongside fellow legend Trace Armstrong and Louis Olivier.
Hafley is set for his first foray into leading an NFL team, though he previously served as head coach for Boston College from 2020 to 2023. Having someone like Wannstedt as a mentor is huge.
On top of Wannstedt having coached the Dolphins and the Chicago Bears, he also has nearly 40 years of experience at the professional and collegiate levels. He clearly made a mark on Hafley, who, in turn, expressed his appreciation for his mentor being at practice to help usher in his era of NFL head coaching.
The Dolphins have many unknowns to answer. Will the offense be fine with a host of unproven vets and Malik Willis? Can the defense help the team win games? What will the first season under Hafley look like?
Despite the many variables to consider for the 2026 season, one thing continues to be the consensus, and that is the team garnering praise for hiring Hafley. He may not have NFL head coaching experience, but the respect he has already commanded is impressive.
If Hafley can shape the Dolphins into a growing winner in 2026, the future will look much brighter. If he can become the kind of coach that Wannstedt was during his tenure, the organization will become a consistent contender.
