MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins have decided to terminate their relationship with Mike McDaniel, the coach once regarded as the beacon of hope for the franchise. This decision, announced on Thursday, concludes McDaniel's four-year chapter marked by high expectations that were ultimately unfulfilled.
Following a 7-10 record in the recent season and a failure to secure a playoff berth for the second year running, the organization opted for significant personnel changes. Owner Stephen Ross expressed that after thorough assessment and extensive conversations post-season, the organization requires comprehensive restructuring. He confirmed informing McDaniel earlier in the day of his dismissal.
During McDaniel’s time at the helm, the Dolphins recorded an overall 35-33 record. The team made it to the playoffs in his first two campaigns but was eliminated in the opening rounds both times. The 2024 season ended with the Dolphins missing postseason play after a loss to the Jets in the regular season finale. The preceding year also saw their playoff hopes dashed by a defeat at the hands of Pittsburgh in Week 15, extending the franchise’s playoff victory drought to 25 years.
In a statement, McDaniel shared his perspective: “When I accepted this position, I envisioned a team united by strong bonds, passion, and energy, striving to win championships. I committed myself fully to that aim. It is disappointing, especially for our supporters, that we did not achieve better outcomes on the field.”
The Dolphins concluded the 2024 campaign amid organizational shakeups, having parted ways with veteran general manager Chris Grier at the end of October and initiating a search for his replacement this week. The season’s finish, marred by benching of former top pick Tua Tagovailoa, was a decisive factor in the ownership’s move.
Ross also recognized McDaniel’s contributions in his statement, highlighting the coach's creativity, passion, and dedication, while wishing him and his family success in future endeavors.
McDaniel, aged 42, joined the Dolphins in 2022 after a single season as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Praised for his innovative approaches to the run game, he was heralded as the imaginative figure who, alongside quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, would lead Miami out of prolonged mediocrity.
His early results were promising. McDaniel won 20 of his first 33 matches, including an impressive 3-0 start against formidable teams like Baltimore, Buffalo, and New England. His initial season ended with a playoff appearance, where the Dolphins nearly upset the Bills despite starting rookie Skylar Thompson in place of the injured Tagovailoa.
McDaniel's distinctive humor and stylized coaching approach initially energized the team and fans alike, gaining favorable attention relative to the more conventional styles of other head coaches. This unique persona coincided with tangible performance gains.
Tagovailoa credited McDaniel with restoring his confidence after prior criticism under former coach Brian Flores, which had caused the quarterback significant self-doubt. Drafted fifth overall in 2020, Tagovailoa endured benchings and uncertainties early in his career, including speculation of a trade for Deshaun Watson. Under McDaniel, the quarterback achieved league-leading statistics in subsequent seasons.
Tagovailoa reflected on the contrasting coaching influences, explaining how McDaniel’s support gave him faith in his abilities and a sense of being the right fit for the team, contrasting sharply with prior negativity.
Despite outstanding individual performances, including leading the NFL in passing yards and completion percentage, the Dolphins’ overall success declined after the 2023 season. They have since posted a combined 15-19 record and appear distant from the Super Bowl contention once anticipated.
The franchise remains mired in the NFL’s longest current playoff win drought, dating back to the year 2000. Recently, off-field issues have overshadowed team achievements, including reports of internal culture problems such as tardiness to meetings and player dissatisfaction.
Notably, wide receiver Tyreek Hill expressed frustration after last season’s playoff miss, temporarily removing himself from the final regular-season game. Following the incident, Hill apologized and reaffirmed his commitment, though the episode shed light on underlying team challenges.
During the offseason, leadership including McDaniel, Grier, and veteran players claimed to have addressed several internal issues, fostering improved team cohesion for a hopeful restart in the upcoming season.
The 2024 campaign was bookended with heavy defeats, including a 33-8 opening loss to Indianapolis and a significant loss to New England at the conclusion. As the Dolphins head toward another offseason marked by uncertainty, McDaniel acknowledged the competitive nature of NFL leadership roles, emphasizing that sustained success is required to retain such positions.
Correction: The Dolphins’ record under Mike McDaniel was 35-33, not 35-32 as previously reported.