The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads following a turbulent 2025-26 NFL season, with growing scrutiny surrounding head coach Mike McDaniel and a number of respected coaches becoming available.
The uncertainty surrounding the general manager position adds another layer of complexity to McDaniel‘s situation. Organizational alignment will be critical, particularly as Miami attempts to stabilize its roster and coaching structure heading into 2026.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel mocked Bills fans after their humiliating win
Before becoming a head coach, McDaniel built an extensive rsum across the league. He began his NFL career as an intern with the Denver Broncos in 2005, later serving as an offensive assistant with the Houston Texans.
He spent time in the United Football League as running backs coach for the Sacramento Mountain Lions before returning to the NFL with the Washington franchise.
Spells with the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons followed, eventually leading to his tenure with the 49ers.
A season to forget in 2025
Despite that experience, the Dolphins offense struggled in key moments this season and were eliminated from playoff contention very early on.
Much of the focus has centered on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whom McDaniel has worked extensively to elevate under challenging circumstances.
Complicating matters further, reports surfaced that the Dolphins have had contact with John Harbaugh, who was fired by the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons.
The timing of the report has only intensified speculation. However, an NFL insider claims there are no plans to oust McDaniel from his position at the moment.
ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler offered clarity while discussing the current state of the NFL coaching carousel.
“As things stand, the people I’ve talked to in Miami are not expecting a change with Mike McDaniel,” Fowler reported. “With no general manager in place, it’s hard to forecast exactly what the Dolphins’ brain trust will look like.
“Miami is off and running with eight general manager candidates,” Fowler continued. “It’s noteworthy that three of the first six candidates come from the 49ers’ front office, which knows McDaniel, a Kyle Shanahan disciple, well.
“How the new GM feels about McDaniel could be a factor in the head coach’s future, but I continue to hear that McDaniel has support in important parts of the building,” according to Fowler.
“Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is tentatively scheduled to interview with the Falcons on Saturday. He is familiar with the operation after interviewing there two years ago.”
While McDaniel remains in place for now, league observers and fans alike have questioned whether the franchise is nearing a turning point after failing to meet postseason expectations.
McDaniel’s experienced but uncertain path
Across four seasons as head coach, McDaniel holds a 35-33 record with the Dolphins.
Before taking the job in Miami, McDaniel spent one season as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where his innovative run-game concepts earned league-wide praise.
That reputation followed him to Miami, where expectations quickly escalated after he guided the Dolphins to the playoffs in his first season.
However, sustained success has proven elusive. Injuries, inconsistency, and questions surrounding leadership have contributed to uneven results, placing McDaniel squarely under the microscope.
Miami owner Stephen Ross appears prepared to give McDaniel at least one more opportunity to prove his vision can translate into sustained success.
With roster decisions looming and leadership alignment still in flux, the 2026 season may define McDaniel‘s tenure with the Dolphins – one way or another.
