The Miami Dolphins officially moved on from head coach Mike McDaniel following the conclusion of the 2025 season, ending a four-year run that began with promise but ultimately stalled. The decision came after Miami finished 7–10, closing the year with a lopsided 38–10 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 18.
The 2025 season unraveled quickly. Miami opened the year 1–6 and was effectively out of the playoff picture before midseason. A four-game winning streak later in the year briefly stabilized things, but the damage had already been done. The Dolphins never found consistency on either side of the ball and finished the season ranked 27th in offense and 30th in defense. For a roster built to compete, those numbers were unacceptable.
McDaniel was hired in 2022 after spending five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he helped develop one of the league’s most respected run-game systems. His immediate impact in Miami was clear. In his first season, the Dolphins went 9–8 and reached the playoffs. In 2023, Miami improved to 11–6 and fielded the most productive offense in the NFL, finishing first in yards and second in scoring. That season included a historic 70-point performance against Denver and a Pro Bowl year for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who led the league in passing yards.
Despite those regular-season highs, the results in January never followed. Miami lost in the Wild Card round in both 2022 and 2023, extending a playoff win drought that now dates back to 2000. Injuries played a role throughout McDaniel’s tenure — particularly to Tagovailoa — but even when the roster was relatively healthy, the Dolphins struggled to adapt once defenses adjusted. Over the past two seasons, two-high safety looks consistently disrupted Miami’s passing game, and the offense lacked effective counters.
The regression continued in 2024, when Miami finished 8–9 and missed the playoffs, and fully collapsed in 2025. The defense, which was improved entering the year, turned into the team’s biggest crutch again, particularly along the front seven. Offensive efficiency disappeared, and late in the season, McDaniel benched Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers after Miami fell out of contention.
McDaniel finishes his Dolphins tenure with a 35–33 regular-season record and a 0–2 playoff mark. While the overall record is close to .500, Miami’s leadership clearly felt the trajectory was moving in the wrong direction.
Owner Stephen Ross addressed the move in a statement, saying the organization needed “comprehensive change.” That message aligns with Miami’s broader reset. General manager Chris Grier was dismissed earlier in the season, and the Dolphins are now searching for both a new GM and head coach. The reported GM finalists include Chad Alexander, Jon-Eric Sullivan, Josh Williams, and interim GM Champ Kelly.
The next regime will immediately face major decisions, starting with the quarterback position. Tagovailoa’s injury history and contract complicate the long-term outlook, and Miami must decide whether to fully recommit to him or begin planning for an alternative. Ewers showed occasional flashes but largely looked like a developmental prospect.
Miami still has pieces to build around. De’Von Achane remains one of the league’s most dynamic running backs, Jaylen Waddle had a strong 2025 season, and the Dolphins hold the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with multiple Day 2 selections. Improving the offensive line and defensive secondary will be key priorities.
As for McDaniel, he is unlikely to remain out of work long. At 42, he is still viewed as a strong offensive mind and could reemerge quickly as a coordinator or future head coaching candidate.
For the Dolphins, this move represents a clear shift. After years of chasing offensive upside, Miami is looking for stability, adaptability, and postseason results. Whether this reset delivers that will depend on who they choose to lead the next phase of the franchise.
