MIAMI GARDENS ― We’re not ready to make any proclamations that Jeff Hafley is the next Vince Lombardi or Don Shula.
But it does seem, as the Hafley-Miami Dolphins era gets started, that the players like what they are hearing from their new coach.
It seems, and again, this is very, very early, they believe he believes what he’s preaching.
Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who personifies all of the things the Dolphins want in their next-era player ( toughness, grit, determination, serious and professional approach to his craft) appears to have bought in to what Hafley’s selling.
As his agency and the club work on a contract extension, Brooks he says he wants to help “change the culture around here.”
Brooks is the guy, after all, who pulled the Pop-A-Shot game out of the Dolphins’ locker room last season.
Moves like that aren’t likely to lift Dolphins from 4- and 5-win projections to playoff-bound this season. But it does say something about focus and time well spent.
Miami Dolphins’ Jordyn Brooks addresses culture change
Little things matter. It seems clear Hafley is stressing the little things.
“When you don’t make the playoffs two years in a row, there’s a lot of things that need to be fixed,” Brooks said after an OTA practice. “But I think the number one thing is just the mindset of the collective group.”
Brooks, who once said the Dolphins played “soft” after a cold-weather loss at Green Bay, says Hafley’s messaging is simple and clear.
This is not to slam former coach Mike McDaniel, whose emotional intelligence warrants some positive merits. But, as we all know, McDaniel could be long-winded.
Brooks said that after conversations with Hafley he is convinced they are like-minded.
Hafley, is, of course, a defensive-minded coach. So that’s one piece
Defensive-minded coaches typically want more physicality in practice. And they usually talk a tougher game.
“I just like his personality, the way he comes in the building and carries himself,” Brooks said of Hafley.
Miami Dolphins want to be tougher, more consistent
Miami did need a change. The way McDaniel was doing things, and what some players have indicated McDaniel let slide, had run its course.
The Dolphins appeared organized and focused in an open OTA practice that will not be mistaken for a Super Bowl practice or even a training camp practice. There was plenty of running.
In a video released by the club, Hafley was stressing to the team the need for sense of urgency. Sense of urgency is a good message for Dolphins players, considering it did not always feel the players felt that way in recent past.
It was neat to see Hafley violently trying to knock the ball away from Dolphins in a drill in which he wore a large pad on one arm. It’s clear Hafley’s willing to get his shoes dirty.
Hafley does not have the horses to win this 2026 NFL Stakes. And it’s good that nobody is thinking he does. He can focus on setting the proper tone and approach that will, ideally, eventually lead to wins.
What is Hafley focused on in May practice?
“Attitude and effort,” Hafley said.
It’s the right approach and players (many of whom are 25 years old or younger) seem to be embracing Hafley’s methods of message and motivation.
“I love everything Haf is doing,” tackle Patrick Paul said. “I love everything he’s about.”
“He installs a standard amongst the whole team,” defensive tackle Jordan Phillips said of Hafley. “We’re going to work hard and we’re going to earn everything.”
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: How Miami Dolphins are trying to ‘change the culture’
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
