Mike McDaniel to Remain Dolphins Coach: For Now

Per Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins plan to retain head coach Mike McDaniel for the time being, even as the organization begins a new chapter following the departure of general manager Chris Grier. The decision signals that, at least for now, owner Stephen Ross believes McDaniel remains the right person to lead Miami on the field though his long-term future could hinge on what happens next in the front office.

McDaniel’s first two seasons in Miami have been defined by offensive fireworks and defensive inconsistencies. His system turned the Dolphins into one of the league’s most explosive teams, with Tua Tagovailoa leading the NFL in passing yards and Tyreek Hill posting historic numbers. Yet despite the highlight reels and the regular-season success, Miami has faltered when it matters most. The team has struggled against playoff-caliber opponents and failed to translate its speed and creativity into postseason results.

The front office shake-up puts McDaniel in an uncertain position. Without Grier, the executive who hired him and built the roster around his offensive vision McDaniel’s influence inside the building could shift. A new general manager will inevitably want input on the coaching staff and may have a different idea of how to shape the team moving forward. McDaniel’s challenge will be proving he can adapt, evolve, and lead beyond just schematics.

For McDaniel, this next stretch represents a defining moment. The Dolphins will enter another offseason of transition, facing key decisions on personnel, philosophy, and leadership. His job security is likely in the hands of the next general manager, and the results the rest of this season, may not even matter for Mike McDaniel.

McDaniel needs to clean up the operation and ensure his team fights for him for the rest of the year. Clean up the pre-snap issues, stick to a gameplan, and attempt to finish strong, all while maybe saving his job.

For now, McDaniel remains the face of the franchise’s on-field vision. Whether he stays the long-term solution or the next name on Miami’s long list of short-lived head coaches will depend on how the Dolphins respond to this latest reset and who Stephen Ross brings in as the next general manager.