As the Miami Dolphins’ season comes to an end, the team seems to have determined the future of their head coach. Mike McDaniel has been the team’s head coach since 2022, where he’s posted a 35-32 record with the Dolphins in four seasons. His .542 winning percentage ranks fifth among Dolphins’ head coaches.
Heading into a matchup with the 13-3 New England Patriots, McDaniel is on the verge of his first double-digit season since taking the job. A sweep by the Patriots would also mark the first time he’s been swept by New England, and Miami’s first time being swept by the Patriots since 2016.
Dolphins Future at Head Coach
As a result of Miami having its second consecutive losing season and extending its playoff win drought, the job security of Mike McDaniel has come into question. When the Dolphins started 1-6, the team decided to fire general manager Chris Grier, and give Mike McDaniel a chance to save his job. Owner Stephen Ross decided to let McDaniel finish out the season and resolve his situation afterwards. Since then, the Dolphins have gone 6-3.
Hours before their matchup against New England, reports have come out regarding Mike McDaniel’s job security. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero released an article which said, “Signs continue to point towards McDaniel returning for a fifth season, especially with the recent win over the Bucs and rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers showing promise.”
That is consistent with a report Rapoport released earlier this season, that said, “Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is likely to be back in 2026.” At the time ESPN insider Adam Schefter seemed to contradict that report, saying, “As for Mike McDaniel, I know that people are saying he’s safe, I don’t think they made any decisions there yet about his future.” However, prior to Miami’s regular season finale, Adam Schefter said on ESPN, “We are leaning safe today. If they were making a decision today (he) is back. But there will be conversations in the organization that help determine his future. But he’s a valued offensive mind. And right now Miami would keep him today.”
Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins Tenure
McDaniel originally led the Miami Dolphins to back-to-back postseason appearances in his first two seasons with the team. However, he failed to win a playoff game in each of their two games. The team then took a step back in 2024 as they had their first losing season since 2019. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, things did not improve in 2025.
After being eliminated from postseason contention, Mike McDaniel made a change at quarterback as he benched Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers. Since then, the team has gone 1-1 with one more game remaining on the season. McDaniel spoke about whether he believes Ewers can lead the Dolphins in the future, saying “He has the ability to lead this team… he can lead this team to victory.” If the reports about McDaniel’s job being safe are accurate, he can then make the decision on Quinn Ewers as the team heads into the 2026 season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Dolphins Reveal ‘Likely’ Future at Head Coach appeared first on Heavy Sports.
