Miami Dolphins Part Ways with Mike McDaniel

The Dolphins ended the season at 7–10, marking their second straight losing year under McDaniel. During his tenure in Miami, he compiled a 35–33 regular-season record and failed to secure a postseason win, going 0–2 in the playoffs.

After another disappointing season, Mike McDaniel has officially been fired.

I had written this piece a little bit ago before this announcement: Mike McDaniel Should Not Return as the Dolphins Head Coach – Five Reasons Sports Network

There was once a time where the Miami Dolphins had the NFL’s best, most innovative offense. There was once a time where everyone wanted to play for Mike McDaniel and all those enjoyed his silly, goofy press conference answers. The outfits, the sprinting off the field into the locker room, and the joy that Miami’s head coach had.

But that time has long past and as the results don’t back up the character, Miami can’t afford to partially clean house again, it is time to clear the house completely. The stats back it up, the results back it up, and the lack of growth in four years back it up.

So now along with a general manager search, the Dolphins will be looking for the franchise’s 15th head coach.

Statement from Dolphins Chairman and Owner Stephen M. Ross:

“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. 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.”

Statement from Mike McDaniel:

“Coaching this team and being a part of this great franchise has been the honor of a lifetime. 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.

I’m grateful to Stephen Ross for the opportunity he gave me, a little known coach at the time when he hired me. Most of all I’m thankful to my wife Katie and daughter Ayla for their unending love and support. I love this game, the people and relationships that are a part of it, and I will forever cherish my time in Miami.”

It was reported that the Dolphins will finish their GM search by this Friday 1/9 and it is possible that the new general manager could play a large part in the future head coach.