> At a Glance
> – The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons
> – McDaniel exits with a 35-33 record and two playoff appearances
> – John Harbaugh emerges as a top candidate to replace him
> – Why it matters: Miami joins eight teams hunting for a new coach while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa‘s massive contract limits roster flexibility
The Miami Dolphins have severed ties with head coach Mike McDaniel, ending a four-year tenure that began with promise but unraveled into a 7-10 finish and missing the playoffs.
The Decision
Owner Stephen Ross announced the move Thursday, citing the need for “comprehensive change” after an 0-3 start and late-season collapse. McDaniel departs with a 35-33 overall record and two wildcard berths, never advancing past the first round.
> Stephen Ross stated:
>
> “I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties. I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization.”
Season Breakdown
Key moments that sealed McDaniel’s fate:
- Week 4: First win came at the cost of Tyreek Hill‘s season-ending knee injury
- Weeks 5-6: back-to-back blown leads vs. Carolina and the Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 7: franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa publicly questioned team leadership
- Week 8: a 31-6 humiliation in Cleveland against a 1-5 Browns squad
A four-game win streak in November offered brief hope, yet three losses in the final four weeks cemented a 7-10 record and kept Miami out of the playoffs.
Contract Complications
Miami’s offseason puzzle now includes a record-setting quarterback deal and a vacant front office.
| Contract Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total value | 4 yr / $212.4 million |
| 2026 dead cap | $99.2 million |
| Fully guaranteed after 2025 | $0 |
| 2027 partial guarantee date | March 15 |
Chris Grier was dismissed midseason, leaving both coach and general manager slots open as the franchise evaluates Tua Tagovailoa‘s long-term viability.
Coaching Carousel
John Harbaugh, freshly dismissed by the Baltimore Ravens, immediately becomes the rumored frontrunner thanks to prior ties to the Ross family. The Dolphins compete with seven other clubs-including the Ravens, Giants, Titans, Raiders, Falcons, Browns, and Cardinals-for coaching talent.
Key Takeaways
- McDaniel’s offensive creativity couldn’t overcome late-game collapses or defensive lapses
- Tagovailoa’s mammoth contract complicates any rebuild, though guarantees evaporate after 2025
- A simultaneous GM search gives Miami a rare chance to reset its entire football operation
- Harbaugh’s potential arrival would signal a shift from offensive innovator to proven culture-builder
With sweeping changes ahead, Miami enters the offseason facing pivotal decisions on leadership, personnel, and whether the current roster core can contend in an increasingly competitive AFC.
