The Miami Dolphins are making a fresh start – with many new additions from Green Bay. The focus is on quarterback Malik Willis.

When Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was recently asked by journalists about the countless new additions to the Miami Dolphins from Green Bay, he responded to the situation with humor. The coach dubbed the team from the AFC East “Green Bay South”.

A humorous statement that contains more than just a spark of truth. In Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins installed the former personnel director of the Packers as the new general manager.

The defensive coordinator of the Cheeseheads, Jeff Hafley, was hired as the new head coach. He brought along his longtime assistant Sean Duggan, former secondary coach Ryan Downard and defensive quality control coach Wendel Davis to join the Packers staff.

And that’s not all. In addition to safety Zayne Anderson, the franchise’s future most important player also came from cold Wisconsin: quarterback Malik Willis.

Miami Dolphins dare to make a fresh start

In 2024, the Packers snapped up the 2022 draft pick from the Tennessee Titans, and in the past two seasons he has acted as a backup playmaker for Jordan Love – and shone.

The 26-year-old was so impressive that Miami signed him to a three-year contract worth 67.5 million US dollars, 45 million of which is guaranteed.

A lot of money for a playmaker who has only started six NFL games in his career – and a completely new start compared to the previous squad.

Signal caller Tua Tagovailoa is gone, and star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are also no longer part of the squad. Miami dares to make a fresh start.

And Willis has a special role to play in this new start. A role in which the newcomer will certainly come under pressure.

Hafley takes the pressure off Willis

His new and yet familiar coach Jeff Hafley made it clear at the start of the offseason workouts what message he wanted to give his playmaker.

“I had a great conversation with him yesterday,” the head coach told US reporters.

“He came into the office. I said, ‘Don’t change who you are. I said, ‘Don’t put any more pressure on yourself. You’ve earned the right to be here and get this opportunity, and you’ve done that by doing everything right – don’t change that. Don’t put any pressure on yourself, just be yourself.’“

What is particularly important for Hafley: ”I want to make sure he understands that. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Mistakes will happen, but I want him to play with that confidence and I want him to play the way he always has.”

Great confidence between the players

Willis is likely to get the confidence he needs from his coach. The athlete already made it clear how important this is for him when his move to Florida was announced.

“There are many good reasons to be here. These two gentlemen, in my opinion, are the most important when it comes to how I envision the future of this organization and this team,“ Willis said.

”I can’t see into the future, but I know they will give their best every day, just as I will try to do the same. Whatever role, whatever leadership role, whatever it is – they brought me in as part of the puzzle they’re trying to put together here, and I’m grateful and honored to be a part of it.”

Willis raves about coach and GM

Head coach, quarterback, general manager – three of the most important positions in American football, filled by a trio that already knows each other from Green Bay – and accordingly appreciates and trusts each other.

In any case, Willis was already raving about his new head coach and his new GM.

“I think it’s impressive how they go to work every day and deal with people. I think that’s the most important thing when you’re in a business that’s based on people.“

Certainly not the worst conditions for success in ”Green Bay South”.