Dolphins HC Reveals he and GM had Extensive Talks about Willis’ Fit Before Adding Him
The Miami Dolphins wasted no time in finding their new starting quarterback this offseason. Before even the official start of the new league year on March 11, they came to terms on a three-year deal with Malik Willis that includes $45 million in guaranteed money.
But the higher-ups of the Dolphins’ brass — general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley — still had extensive conversations about whether Willis was the right man for the job before bringing him on. Hafley admitted, while speaking to Dan Le Batard recently, that he and Sullivan “spent hours talking” about Willis’ fit and factored in film along with who he is as a person when making their decision.
Dolphins HC Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan were 'in lockstep the entire way' on Malik Willis being the future at quarterback for the Miami Dolphins @MiamiDolphins
New South Beach Sessions with Dolphins HC Jeff Hafley out tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/1ixQV34JiH
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) April 15, 2026
Anyone who was worried that the Dolphins signed Willis primarily because of his connections to Sullivan and Hafley should now feel more confident about the move. Willis was the Green Bay Packers’ backup signal-caller for the last two seasons, and during that time, Sullivan worked as the team’s vice president of player personnel while Hafley was the defensive coordinator.
Willis is keen to make the most of his first real opportunity to be a full-time starter in the NFL after he logged just six starts across his first four pro seasons. The third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans back in the 2022 NFL Draft has shown in spurts that he has the talent necessary to lead an offense at the highest level.
Across 11 games played and three starts with the Packers over the last two seasons, he completed a whopping 78.7 percent of his passes and also threw for six touchdowns compared to zero interceptions. If he can be even close to as accurate with his throws in his enhanced role, the Dolphins would be thrilled.
Hopefully, the decision that Hafley and Sullivan came to to bring Willis in the fold will age like fine wine.
