In January 2026, the NFL coaching carousel is spinning more quickly and wildly than many fans ever anticipated, particularly for the Green Bay Packers. The Miami Dolphins are reassembling their staff around former Packers assistants in South Beach, and what began as the Packers losing their defensive coordinator to become a head coach has now escalated into a mini-exodus of coaching talent from Lambeau Field.
The Packers have already lost four coaches to Jeff Hafley’s Dolphins staff this summer; this unexpected sweep is having an impact on both the organization and NFL circles. Let’s examine what has transpired, why it is significant, and potential future steps for the Packers.
Jeff Hafley: From defensive guru for the Packers to head coach for the Dolphins
Jeff Hafley’s appointment as the Miami Dolphins’ new head coach earlier this month marked the beginning of it all. Because of his defensive strategies and player relationships, Hafley, who served as the Packers’ defensive coordinator for two seasons, was regarded as one of the league’s best head coach possibilities. Miami was rebuilding after firing head coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier following another disappointing 2025 season.
Following Hafley’s resignation, Green Bay had to find a replacement for a crucial defensive staff position. However, what came next was exceptionally aggressive: Hafley disrupted continuity in Green Bay’s coaching ranks by bringing Packers coaches with him as soon as he landed in Miami.
Four and Counting: Coach Exodus
The four major exits are as follows:
🔹 Defensive Backs Coach Ryan Downard
Ryan Downard, a defensive back coach for the Packers, was one of the first assistants to join Hafley in Miami. Downard had progressed through the Green Bay system over a number of seasons, thus his transfer to Miami was a setback as well as an indication that Hafley wanted experienced personnel to assist in developing his new team.
🔹 Sean Duggan, the linebackers coach
Sean Duggan, the linebackers coach for the Packers and Hafley’s former Boston College colleague, came next. Duggan’s departure underlined how strong the personal and professional relationships between Hafley and his former assistants actually are.
🔹 Wendel Davis, Defensive Quality Control Coach
Wendel Davis, a long-time veteran of the Packers’ defensive coaching staff, accompanied Hafley to Miami after Downard and Duggan. Davis, who is well-known for his diligence and attention to detail, adds even more consistency to the Dolphins’ defensive rebuilding.
🔹 Nathaniel Hackett, quarterbacks coach (fourth departure!)
The most unexpected change was that the fourth coach to leave wasn’t even defensive; instead, it was offensive assistant Nathaniel Hackett, who will become the quarterbacks coach for Hafley’s Dolphins. Since Hackett is the first offense-side coach from Green Bay to join Hafley’s Miami outfit this summer, his decision represents a significant change. His NFL resume, which includes prior positions as an offensive coordinator, gives the incoming Dolphins staff expertise.
Packers React, But Not Without Difficulties
Green Bay hasn’t been idle. Shortly after Hafley’s resignation, the organization appointed former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as their new defensive coordinator – a huge hiring designed to calm the ship and establish leadership to a defence that was powerful but erratic in 2025.
Replacing several assistants is never easy, though. For instance, Sean Mannion, the Packers’ quarterbacks coach, already left to take a position as offensive coordinator with the Eagles, adding to the list of change and leaving Green Bay’s offensive coaching room weaker than intended.
The Significance of This
💥 Player Development and Coaching Continuity
Coaching changes impact not just game planning, but also young player development. Coaches teach players strategies and routines, and losing several employees, particularly at different positions, can impede development and lead to inconsistency.
Organizational Identity
Over the past few seasons, Matt LaFleur and the Packers have developed a unified identity. However, 2026 may offer growing pains due to staff departures and the installation of a new defensive coordinator’s methods.
The Dolphins’ Rebuild Momentum
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are trying a bold rebuild, giving Hafley control with people he knows and trusts. For a team that finished 7–10 the previous season and hopes to return to playoff football, this is a good start.
Fifth. Looking Forward
It remains to be seen if this coaching carousel will soon come to an end or if its cascading effects will continue. It’s obvious that Miami’s dedication to building around Hafley’s vision and Green Bay’s attempts to retool its personnel will define this offseason. Fans of the Packers will be keeping a tight eye on everything from the sidelines to the staff room when the games begin in the autumn.