Mike McDaniel’s Miami future decided with new role confirmed as Dolphins new era begins
The Miami Dolphins are sticking with Mike McDaniel. That is, at least, according to the man himself.
McDaniel came under heavy scrutiny in 2025, and was among the early-season favorites to lose his head coaching job.
The Dolphins dropped seven of their first nine games to put him on the hot seat, before they bounced back with a four-game win steak through November and December.
But just one more game was won in the closing weeks of the NFL season, and McDaniel himself admitted finishing with a 7-10 record in 2025 was a ‘failure.’
Still, unlike four of his head coach colleagues, he survived the NFL’s ‘Black Monday’ and was bullish when speaking to reporters.
Mike McDaniel clarifies Dolphins future
“My understanding: I’m the coach of the Miami Dolphins until told otherwise,” the fourth-year coach said, when asked about his job security.
He added that he will speak with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross about how to move forward successfully.
“We are getting together later in the week to discuss what needs to be discussed.
“We both share the sentiment that we are not where we want to be, and in this business, you have to have a plan of action to improve that play.
“I think those discussions are very important and healthy, and I think the fan base is counting on that to occur.
“We are not just dismissing this season as, ‘Oops, we’ll try again.’ No — you are trying to attack things, control your controllables and the bottom line of, ‘We need to improve this football team now’ and set forth a plan to do that.”
McDaniel might have survived a rough ride in 2025, but general manager Chris Grier did not.
talkSPORT reacts... Mike McDaniel survives
The Miami Dolphins felt doomed from the start this season.
Comments Tyreek Hill made way back in January 2024, in which he expressed a clear desire to leave, loomed over the franchise all summer.
Their No. 1 receiver eventually decided he would give it another go in Miami, but was carted off, clapping smiling, with a season-ending injury in Week 4.
From then on, the Dolphins tried to make it work behind Tua Tagovailoa and an often inconsistent offensive line, as well as one of the NFL’s most mundane defenses.
There was plenty of turbulence from the front office too, and Mike McDaniel often cut a figure who was just trying to hold things together. He also made headlines for a few bizarre press conference quotes.
Yet, the fourth-year coach has seemingly survived in Miami. Others weren’t so lucky.
The likes of Kevin Stefanski, Jonathan Gannon and Raheem Morris have all become available. But would any of those names be an upgrade for the Dolphins?
Stefanski, perhaps, is the only name I’d put above McDaniel, so Miami’s decision to stick with their man seems to be the right one to me.
Oliver Browning, US Sports Writer.
He parted ways with the Dolphins in October, one day after they fell to 2–7. Prior to his departure, fans had made their frustrations clear with a ‘Fire Grier’ banner that was flown above Hard Rock Stadium.
Much of their annoyance centered on his failure to construct a consistently strong roster, or win a single playoff game during his time as GM.
The Dolphins, then, will be working to replace Grier in the offseason, and McDaniel is expected to have a hand in any decision — as is Troy Aikman.
Mike McDaniel handed expanded role for Miami’s GM search
“I’m going to be a part of the process,” the Dolphins HC said, when asked how ‘involved’ he will be in hiring for a new GM.
“Beyond that, the main objective, and what everyone is counting on, is that we have a cohesive crew of people working in the same direction.
“I’m happy to support all of that, it’s not my decision to make, nor would I think that would be an intelligent way to go about business.
“I think we need to (move) one step at a time and improve our football team from the state that it’s in. That will be the first step of many processes.”
When it comes to improving the Dolphins, McDaniel clearly has another area on his mind too — quarterback.
Who will be Miami’s starting quarterback in 2026?
Franchise star Tua Tagovailoa struggled this season, and was benched after a Week 15 loss.
Rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers stepped up for the remainder of the year. He finished the season with 622 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
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Tua, meanwhile, threw for 2,660 yards, 20 TDs and 15 INTs before being benched — his fewest yards since 2021 and a career-high number of picks.
In 2026, McDaniel will be holding a quarterback competition.
“What that is and how it looks, that remains to be seen,” he said.
“It’s the most important position on the field, and you have to make sure you do everything possible to get the best person out there on the field.
“Whether that’s in-house or somewhere else, that’s something we’ll be extremely diligent on.”
There will be plenty of change in Miami ahead of the 2026 season, but it appears McDaniel’s job is safe… for now, at least.
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