Miami Dolphins have decided to part ways with head coach Mike McDaniel following a disappointing 7-10 season that fell short of playoff expectations. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced the decision, citing the need for significant organizational changes. McDaniel, who led the team to a 35-33 record over four years, guided Miami to the playoffs in his first two seasons but failed to advance beyond the first round.
The team’s playoff hopes were dashed in 2024 after a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15, extending their playoff-win drought to 25 years. Despite McDaniel’s initial success and innovative approach, including revamping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s confidence and leading the league’s top offense in 2023, the Dolphins experienced a sharp decline in performance in recent seasons.
The decision to part ways with McDaniel comes after the team’s general manager, Chris Grier, was let go in October. The Dolphins are now in search of a new general manager to lead the team forward. The disappointing finish to the 2024 season, marked by Tagovailoa’s benching and lackluster performances, ultimately led to Ross’s decision to make a coaching change.
McDaniel, known for his unique coaching style and creative play-calling, expressed disappointment at not meeting the fans’ expectations for on-field success. The Dolphins, once hopeful of contending for a Super Bowl, now face uncertainties heading into the offseason. Despite efforts to address culture issues within the team, the Dolphins struggled on the field and failed to live up to expectations set by their early success under McDaniel’s leadership.
