The future of Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel hangs in the balance following a series of recent victories. The Dolphins, who improved to 5-7 after three consecutive wins, are still in playoff contention despite earlier job-security concerns surrounding McDaniel. His position became even more precarious after the Dolphins and general manager Chris Grier mutually agreed to part ways on October 31, 2023.
In a recent update, ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano provided insights on McDaniel’s uncertain status. According to Graziano, there are several voices within the league suggesting that a strong finish to the season could secure McDaniel’s job. “The Dolphins fired GM Chris Grier at a low point of their season but held onto McDaniel, who’s well-liked in the building and by team ownership,” Graziano reported.
Ownership’s perspective on McDaniel appears optimistic. Despite the team’s rocky start, it seems that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross believes McDaniel has the potential to be a successful coach. There is a growing sentiment that the current field of head coaching candidates is not particularly strong, which might work in McDaniel’s favor.
McDaniel, who has been with the Dolphins since 2022, has yet to secure a playoff win. His tenure faced challenges early in the season, particularly when the team held a record of 2-7 before Grier’s dismissal. Reports indicate that McDaniel kept his position largely because he had not lost the players’ support, a crucial factor at this juncture.
As the Dolphins navigate the remainder of the season, speculation arises regarding potential coaching candidates should the need for a replacement arise. Notable coaches like Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns and Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers could become available after their respective seasons conclude. Although it is uncertain whether Ross would consider either as replacements, Graziano believes McDaniel is likely to retain his role unless the Dolphins experience a significant collapse before the end of the regular season.
“At this point, it would not be a shock at all to see him still coaching the Dolphins in 2026,” Graziano remarked, indicating the uncertainty surrounding McDaniel’s future may continue.
The Dolphins are set to face the New York Jets, who currently hold a record of 3-9, this coming Sunday. As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Miami as a 2.5-point favorite for the matchup. Despite the recent winning streak, the ESPN Football Power Index gives the Dolphins only a 0.2 percent chance of making the playoffs, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on McDaniel and his ability to lead the Dolphins through this critical period.
