With the regular season coming to a close, the head coaching carousel has officially begun. The Miami Dolphins have made a significant change, firing Head Coach Mike McDaniel. Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross reportedly met with McDaniel this week to discuss the season, and after that meeting and reflection, Ross decided to move on.
Dolphins Make a Huge Change
Just days ago, the expectation was that Miami would retain McDaniel despite another disappointing season. His firing comes as a genuine shock, given his reputation as one of football’s premier offensive minds. McDaniel instantly becomes one of the most sought-after head coaches available. Now, the Dolphins face a pivotal offseason, with major decisions looming at quarterback, specifically, whether to stick with Tua Tagovailoa or embark on a full rebuild.
In the NFL, results are everything, and unfortunately, McDaniel couldn’t take the Dolphins where they needed to go. He may not pursue another head coaching job immediately, but he’ll be an in-demand candidate for offensive coordinator positions. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions currently have attractive openings, while the Washington Commanders could also be a dark horse after parting ways with Kliff Kingsbury.
McDaniel’s close relationship with Dan Quinn could play a pivotal role in his next move. McDaniel has openly said he is “forever indebted” to Quinn for helping him achieve sobriety. His renowned offensive mind could be an ideal fit alongside rookie standout Jayden Daniels, as they aim to propel their team forward in 2026 following an injury-plagued campaign.
What’s Next For Miami?
The Dolphins’ surprise firing of McDaniel has sparked speculation about whether they already have a free-agent head coach in mind, possibly someone they consider a clear upgrade. One prominent name to watch is longtime Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh. After Harbaugh was relieved of his duties, his agent, Bryan Harlan, revealed that seven NFL teams reached out to express interest. With seven head coaching vacancies across the league, including Baltimore’s, this suggests at least one team with a head coach may have contacted Harbaugh’s camp.
Reports of longstanding locker room issues under McDaniel may drive Miami to pursue a veteran leader capable of establishing a winning culture quickly—qualities Harbaugh undoubtedly brings. Parting ways with McDaniel marks just the beginning of what could be a transformative offseason for the Dolphins, who are also searching for a new general manager and appear poised to make significant roster changes.
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