Miami’s search for answers will now begin at the very top.
The Dolphins officially dismissed head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday, closing the book on a four-year run that started with promise but ended in frustration after a 7–10 season and a second straight year without a playoff appearance, according to the New York Post.
Owner Stephen Ross said the decision came after weeks of internal evaluation following the season’s conclusion, ultimately leading the franchise to pursue a new direction.
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change. I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” Ross said in a statement.
Ross emphasized the move was not personal, praising McDaniel’s creativity and commitment during his tenure.
“I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
McDaniel, 42, responded with his own farewell message, reflecting on both the highs and the shortcomings of his time in Miami.
“Coaching this team and being a part of this great franchise has been the honor of a lifetime,” McDaniel said. “When I took this job, I had a vision of a team that was bonded together and played with passion and energy on the path to winning championships. I gave everything I had for that goal.”
“I am disappointed, especially for the fans, that we did not have better results on the field, but I am grateful for every coach, player, and staff member who poured themselves into that vision alongside me.”
Speculation about McDaniel’s future followed the Dolphins throughout the 2025 season. Miami stumbled out of the gate, dropping three straight games, then suffered a major blow when wide receiver Tyreek Hill went down with a season-ending leg injury in Week 4.
Tensions mounted as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa publicly criticized teammates before later walking back his comments. The turbulence continued in October with the firing of longtime general manager Chris Grier.
A brief resurgence followed, with the Dolphins winning four straight games, but the momentum evaporated late in the year. Tagovailoa was benched after a lopsided Week 15 “Monday Night Football” loss to the Steelers, prompting Miami to turn to rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers instead of veteran Zach Wilson.
Tagovailoa, 27, has since indicated he hopes for a fresh start elsewhere.
McDaniel’s early success made the decision more complex. After arriving from San Francisco, he guided Miami to winning records and wild-card playoff appearances in each of his first two seasons. That trajectory stalled in 2024 with an 8–9 finish and unraveled further this year.
Miami now joins the Giants, Titans, Browns, Raiders, Cardinals, Falcons and Ravens among teams entering the offseason with head coaching vacancies — and significant questions about what comes next.
