Jeff Hafley Troy Aikman
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Miami Dolphins new head coach Jeff Hafley addressed how consultant Troy Aikman has played a role with the organization this offseason.
Troy Aikman is the latest former NFL player to engage in two different roles that could create a conflict of interest for the league. But that doesn’t appear to be on the mind for Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley.
While speaking to reporters Tuesday, the head coach suggested Aikman has been helpful as a team consultant the past few months. Hafley also made clear that he has no qualms about continuing to use the ESPN broadcaster as a resource.
“I think, right now, Troy has been a good sounding board,” Hafley said. “He’s a guy that I’ve talked to a few times.
“We’ve had some really good conversations, and I’ll continue to do that.”
The Dolphins hired Aikman prior to Hafley this offseason. Miami added the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and long-time NFL broadcaster as a consultant to help in the general manager and head coach searches.
Aikman has shared on podcasts over recent weeks that he could continue to stay involved with the Dolphins going forward.
Jeff Hafley Suggests Good Relationship With Troy Aikman
Jeff Hafley Troy Aikman
GettyMiami Dolphins new head coach Jeff Hafley addressed how consultant Troy Aikman has played a role with the organization this offseason.
Discussions around Aikman’s future with the Dolphins began in earnest on March 10. While appearing on “The Rodeo Time” Podcast, the former quarterback shared he will continue to work with the Dolphins front office.
Aikman had already helped the team hire Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
“Where that might go, I’m not sure,” said Aikman. I’m going to continue to work with them in some capacity.”
How involved he will be remains relatively unclear. Based on what Hafley told reporters, Aikman will be available to provide general advice. He could also be someone Hafley could pitch ideas to before trying them on the Dolphins coaches or players.
Hafley served as Boston College’s head coach from 2020-23. But this season will be his first as an NFL head coach.
Over the past two seasons, Hafley was the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator.
Will Aikman’s Dolphins Role Cause a Conflict of Interest for NFL?
Troy Aikman
GettyThe Miami Dolphins hired Troy Aikman as a consultant in January.
Aikman consulting with Hafley might seem harmless, but it’s a potential can of worms for the NFL.
Aikman broadcasts Monday Night Football for ESPN, which grants him access to players and coaches that a typical NFL consultant wouldn’t have.
The former quarterback sharing his advice with Hafley about how to manage offseason workouts is one thing. But Hafley seeking in-season input from Aikman on the New England Patriots offense after Aikman just visited the Patriots before broadcasting the reigning AFC champions on Monday night is another.
Of course, it’s not Hafley’s job or Miami’s responsibility to police themselves. The potential conflict of interest Aikman might have will only benefit them.
It’s not as though the Dolphins are the first to test the league’s restrictions on NFL broadcasters also being involved with a team. Tom Brady broadcasters for FOX Sports and is a minority owner for the Las Vegas Raiders.
“There was a time when a plan like that would have raised eyebrows — especially if/when Aikman’s primary job on Monday Night Football includes a Dolphins game. But with Tom Brady’s dual role as Fox broadcaster and Raiders minority owner normalizing conflicts of interest that previously wouldn’t have been allowed, well, when in Rome,” wrote Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
The NFL limits Brady’s ability to enter facilities and attend practices for FOX Sports because of his Raiders relationship. It’s not yet clear if Aikman will face the same restrictions.
Aikman admitted while speaking to Clarence Hill of DLLS Sports on March 31 that he will be “pulling for the Dolphins” this season because he has “something at stake.”
Clearly, he’s not going to be objective while analyzing Miami this season. But again, that’s not Hafley or Miami’s problem.