Dolphins introduce Jon-Eric Sullivan, Jeff Hafley in emotional reset for franchise
MIAMI, Fla. (WPEC) — The Miami Dolphins officially turned the page Monday, introducing Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager and Jeff Hafley as head coach, signaling what owner Stephen Ross repeatedly described as a long-overdue cultural reset for the organization.
Ross opened the press conference by acknowledging the frustration that has surrounded the franchise — and making it clear he shares it.
“I know many of you are frustrated with the performance of the team,” Ross said. “I am equally frustrated.”
Ross called the moment “a new beginning,” saying he feels strongly that Sullivan and Hafley are undoubtedly the right people for the job, brought in to change the direction of a Dolphins team that recently fired general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. Ross emphasized that this decision was about more than wins and losses — it was about redefining how the Dolphins operate.
Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who was involved in the hiring process, was also in attendance, underscoring the seriousness of the reset.
The emotion of the moment was most visible when Sullivan took the podium. The former Green Bay Packers executive nearly broke down while thanking the Packers organization for shaping him, before laying out his vision for Miami.
“We will move with responsible aggression here and do everything we can for success,” Sullivan said.
See also: Ex-Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel finds next destination
Sullivan stressed a draft-and-develop philosophy, one rooted in sustainability and accountability, and made clear that culture will drive every decision.
“The competitive atmosphere that he brings to this team will stand out as we move forward,” Sullivan said of Hafley. “A culture of hard work, competition, resilience, and love — that’s what we’re building.”
Hafley, meanwhile, spoke passionately about the work ethic that defines him. He shared his unconventional rise through the coaching ranks, including starting in Division III football doing laundry — a job he said he loved because it taught him toughness and how to grind.
“You can’t be afraid to coach guys,” Hafley said, explaining that earning trust is central to his approach. He emphasized that belief flows both ways — from coach to player, and from player to self.
Hafley said his core beliefs for building a team begin with trust, followed by belief, and ultimately toughness, both physical and mental.
Sullivan said those traits are exactly why he targeted Hafley, noting that two seasons together in Green Bay only reinforced his conviction.
“The interview confirmed my conviction that this is the right guy,” Sullivan said. “We’re friends, but this hire was based on professional respect.”
Ross has made it clear resources will not be an excuse. Sullivan revealed a message Ross delivered during the hiring process that set the tone immediately.
“If you don’t get this done, you’ll never be able to say it’s because you didn’t have the resources,” Sullivan said Ross told him.
While Sullivan didn’t shy away from championship expectations, he acknowledged the road ahead won’t be easy.
“When we get to the end of this thing and hoist that trophy,” Sullivan said, “we will see we started at the bottom to get to the top.”
One topic Sullivan handled carefully was the quarterback position. He said it would be unfair to make any declarations without first meeting Tua Tagovailoa, stressing that respect and communication come first.
Whether it’s Tua or anyone else, Sullivan said he plans to speak directly with players before making evaluations. At the same time, he was clear about the organizational philosophy moving forward.
“The quarterback position is the most important position in sports, in my opinion — and certainly the most important in football,” Sullivan said. “We will draft quarterbacks every year, if not every other year.”
For a franchise searching for relevance deep into January, the Dolphins’ message was unmistakable: a new leadership group, a new culture, and a belief that the climb — no matter how difficult — will be worth it.
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