Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Dolphins' new coach Jeff Hafley urges team to embrace mistakes
The Miami Dolphins have a new head coach named Jeff Hafley.
He is teaching his players something surprising - it is okay to make mistakes.
Hafley believes players grow when they try new things instead of being scared to mess up.
He wants quarterbacks to try different things, like different snap counts.
Hafley also wants defensive players to test new techniques so they can learn what works.
The Dolphins are getting ready to practice against the Washington Commanders on Wednesday.
Then they will play their first preseason game on Friday.
The team also made a trade to get a new offensive lineman named Caedan Wallace.
A kicker named Zane Gonzalez got hurt and was put on the injured list.
Training camps and preseason games help football teams prepare for the real season.
First-year Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley is encouraging his young team to step out of their comfort zones and embrace mistakes during training camp.
Hafley is testing different snap counts for quarterbacks and accepting early pre-snap penalties, saying players cannot grow by playing it safe.
The Dolphins face Washington in a joint practice Wednesday ahead of Friday's preseason opener, with no decision yet on whether starters like Malik Willis and De'Von Achane will play.
Miami agreed to acquire offensive tackle Caedan Wallace and a 2029 seventh-round pick from the New England Patriots for a 2028 sixth-rounder, pending a physical.
The Dolphins placed kicker Zane Gonzalez on injured reserve and signed cornerback Nick McCloud as they deal with injuries in the secondary.
- Who
- Jeff Hafley, first-year head coach of the Miami Dolphins, and his young team including quarterback Malik Willis, running back De'Von Achane, and tackle Patrick Paul.
- What
- Hafley is pushing players to embrace mistakes and step out of their comfort zones during training camp while the team prepares for joint practice and its preseason opener.
- When
- Announced Monday, ahead of Wednesday's joint practice against Washington and Friday's preseason opener.
- Where
- Miami Gardens, Florida.
- Why
- Hafley believes players grow by testing new techniques and pushing beyond playing safe, rather than being paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes.
- Team
- Miami Dolphins
- Head coach
- Jeff Hafley (first year)
- Camp philosophy
- Embrace mistakes and step out of comfort zones to grow
- Next matchups
- Joint practice vs. Washington on Wednesday; preseason opener Friday
- Trade with Patriots
- Acquired OT Caedan Wallace and 2029 seventh-round pick for a 2028 sixth-rounder (pending physical)
- Injury move
- Kicker Zane Gonzalez placed on injured reserve
- Signing
- Cornerback Nick McCloud
- Starters status
- Not yet decided for Malik Willis and De'Von Achane