The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with head coach Mike McDaniel, ending his tenure after a second consecutive losing season that failed to meet expectations. The franchise announced the decision following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season, where the team finished with a 7-10 record and missed the playoffs.
A Season Derailed From the Start
The Dolphins' campaign was in trouble almost from the beginning. The team suffered seven losses in its first nine games, digging a hole from which it could never fully escape. Particularly painful defeats included a narrow loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and a game where they squandered a commanding 17-0 lead against the Carolina Panthers.
By Week 7, frustration was palpable. A heavy defeat to the Cleveland Browns left the entire organisation seething. The mood was perfectly captured when franchise legend Dan Marino was seen storming off the field, his anger visible to cameras and fans alike.
Locker Room Cracks and Leadership Questions
As losses mounted, attention turned inward to the team's culture. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made comments that hinted at players skipping team meetings, raising serious questions about discipline under McDaniel's leadership. While McDaniel, known for his player-friendly approach, dismissed queries about his job security as "offensive," the concerns did not fade.
A late-season rally that saw four consecutive wins provided a flicker of hope, but it was short-lived. The Dolphins closed the year with a 1-3 record in their final four games, sealing McDaniel's fate. He leaves Miami with a regular-season record of 35-33 and one playoff appearance.
The Tua Factor and a Franchise Reset
Analysts believe McDaniel's destiny was inextricably linked to his quarterback. He was hired primarily to construct a dynamic offense around Tua Tagovailoa. However, injuries, inconsistent performances, and a late-season benching have clouded the quarterback's long-term future with the team.
With Tagovailoa signed to a massive, long-term contract, the Dolphins have limited options to change their core roster. This made a coaching change the most significant lever the organisation could pull to signal a new direction. The search for a new head coach is expected to begin immediately, alongside potential front-office adjustments.
For the Dolphins, this move underscores a sense of urgency. After years of promising starts followed by late-season collapses, the franchise is betting that a fresh voice in the locker room can finally translate potential into consistent success and a return to genuine championship contention.
