ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 26: Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross before the Sunday afternoon NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins on October 26, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 26 Dolphins at Falcons EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon953251026193
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 26: Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross before the Sunday afternoon NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins on October 26, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 26 Dolphins at Falcons EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon953251026193
Jan 23, 2026, 4:07 PM CUT
WATCH: Dolphins Owner Forgets Head Coach's Name During Brain Fade Moment on Live TV
In a moment that has since gone viral, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross made a massive fumble.
During Jeff Hafley's introductory press conference, it appeared as if the Dolphins owner forgot the head coach's name.
“I think the enthusiasm, the knowledge, the background, erm.." After a brief pause where he struggled to remember the name, Ross resumed, "Jeff stood out amongst them all, so we were really fortunate that he was available."
Hafley spent two years as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. In 2024, the Packers were ranked ninth in yards allowed, at 315.6. In 2025, they were twelfth with 311.8. And while the Dolphins were better in 2024, they became a mid-table defense in 2025, conceding 348.8 yards every game.
After firing Mike McDaniel, who coached the team for four years, the team started to look for strong candidates early on, both from the Dolphins and from other teams.
In the press conference, Hafley didn’t address the situation and promised to carry out his responsibilities faithfully.
“The magnitude and responsibility of what lies before me in this role does not fall short on me. I will go to work every day and work tirelessly along with the other great people in the building,” he stated.
And According to Hafley, Stephen Ross Is Ready to Give Him Everything He Needs to Win
Although Stephen Ross fumbled during the press conference, Hafley said it only took one statement from the owner to convince him.
"What I would say to you right from the jump and my communication with Stephen Ross was, like I said, the desire to win. But he made it very clear, I mean, quite frankly, his words to me were, ‘If you don’t get this done, you will never be able to say it was because you didn’t have the resources,’ which tells me everything I need to know. I think we all know that every place is not like that.”
Within two weeks, Miami replaced its general manager and head coach. Stephen Ross means business with Miami this season. With Hafley given a free hand, Miami may now pursue significant trades. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar