Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley shut down the major Jonah Savaiinaea criticism.
Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea faced a ton of criticism due to being one of the worst-rated guards in 2025, per Pro Football Focus. However, the young lineman was also a rookie.
Rookies often need time to acclimate to the speed of the NFL, and having a first-year player in a very difficult position can often lead to some struggles. Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley understands that and shut down the idea that Savaiinaea should be judged on his rookie season.
When Hafley was asked if he was aware of the critiques from 2025, he said he is not and hopes that Savaiinaea isn't as well.
"I'm not aware of it. I hope he's not aware of it. Here's with Jonah, and I say this knowing that it's only three days. Jonah has obviously taken a lot of criticism ... It's hard to play O-line Year 1. And he played a position he hadn't been playing a whole lot of ... All I know is this: he has been a pleasant surprise to me on how he's been in these first three days ... He's played good football the past three days, and all I want him to do is to believe in himself and continue to progress," Hafley said.
Hafley pointed to the questions regarding whether or not the move from Savaiinaea to the right side has been worth it or will be worth it, or anything really that points to the season before. The head coach simply stated that it's time to move on and see how the lineman operates now and beyond.
"I don't want to hear about anymore about Jonah last year, because its over. Let's judge Jonah on everything he does today and moving forward and I think that's fair," Hafley said.
Savaiinaea is now part of a solid offensive line, on paper. Left tackle Patrick Paul, left guard Kadyn Proctor, center Aaron Brewer, Savaiinaea in the right guard position, and right tackle Austin Jackson.
The Dolphins have a line that could be very good, but that won't star to be evident until the pads come on. Even more so when joint practices and preseason games kick off later this month.
Savaiinaea has also impressed his fellow teammates along with Hafley throughout OTAs, minicamp, and the start of training camp. Paul, Brewer, and Jackson have also commented on the upcoming second-year player's work ethic, confidence, and more.
If the second-year lineman can make that leap, the rest of the line should be able to not only protect Malik Willis but also open run lanes for the run game.
There is a strong belief that Miami will favor the run game due to the prowess of Achane and Willis, as the quarterback can also rifle off chunk yardage with his legs. Granted, the fundamentals of the offensive install will still need to be dialed in before that can happen.
Hafley's leadership continues to shine, and his no-nonsense way of handling training and questions points to just that. Savaiinaea may have had a rough 2025 season, but the Dolphins head coach is looking towards the present and future to determine the kind of roster he has on his hands.
