Surprising NFC Team Has Reportedly Reached Out to Mike McDaniel Just Hours After Dolphins Fired Him
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
An NFC North team has reportedly reached out to Mike McDaniel following his firing from Miami.
The Dolphins cut ties with McDaniel on Thursday in one of the more surprising moves since Week 18. While the team missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, McDaniel is said to have expected at least one more term.
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change,” Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross said on Thursday, per The Athletic. “I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach. I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization.”
According to reports, McDaniel’s team was shocked by the decision.
McDaniel leaves the organization with a 35-33 record and zero playoff wins.
He got off to an impressive start after being hired in 2022 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. However, things collapsed in his fourth season with the team, leading to his dismissal this week.
Detroit Lions In For Mike McDaniel
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Detroit Lions have contacted McDaniel over their vacant offensive coordinator position.
A former OC for the San Francisco 49ers, McDaniel is thought to be a prime candidate for all such openings in the league.
“The Lions have reached out to former #Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel about their vacant offensive coordinator position, sources say. McDaniel is a top candidate for any open OC job,” Rapoport reported on Thursday.
“Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward,” Ross added in his statement.
The Dolphins got off to a 1-6 start this season before going on a four-game winning streak. They finished 7-10, but the midseason form was not enough to buy McDaniel another year.
“When I took this job, I had a vision of a team that was bonded together and played with passion and energy on the path to winning championships,” the 42-year-old said. “I gave everything I had for that goal. I am disappointed, especially for the fans, that we did not have better results on the field, but I am grateful for every coach, player, and staff member who poured themselves into that vision alongside me.”
Miami will now head into next season with an entirely new look.
They are currently looking to hire a new general manager, having fired Chris Grier in October. Tua Tagovailoa is unlikely to be their starting quarterback in 2026, while McDaniel is no longer with the team.
