Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel is Done
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Miami Dolphins knew they had to make a move with Mike McDaniels. Miami parted ways with former GM Chris Grier after a 2-7 start to the season. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Wednesday the Dolphins were “pushing” during general manager interviews “to hear candidates’ thoughts on a new head coach.”
On Thursday, the team finally decided to give McDaniel his walking papers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the team fired its head coach on Thursday after four seasons.
ESPN Sources: Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross met with McDaniel this week to discuss the season. After that meeting and reflection, Ross decided to move on. pic.twitter.com/tp9TnpGQ1l
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2026
This news comes days after Tua Tagovailoa confirmed he was done with the Dolphins. He wanted a fresh start. With Mike McDaniel gone, he will most certainly get that somewhere else.
It’s a disappointing end for McDaniel, who looked like one of the best hires in 2022. Dolphins took a shot on him, and it worked initially. He immediately delivered back-to-back playoff appearances in his first two seasons with the team. Unfortunately, things started to go downhill when Tua kept suffering concussions. Inconsistent play also stopped any progress.
Things got off to a miserable start this season. Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill shattered his leg, and Tua got benched. Now, all three of them might be off the team in 2026.
