Posted on Jan 08

Dolphins fire HC McDaniel after disappointing 8-9 season, ending playoff hopes

Posted Jan 8, 2026

The Miami Dolphins have fired head coach Mike McDaniel after two seasons, signaling a need for significant change within the organization.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Dolphins' disappointing trajectory, having missed the playoffs for the first time under McDaniel with an 8-9 record in 2024.

The team has now experienced back-to-back losing seasons following playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023.
Owner Stephen Ross emphasized that "comprehensive change" was necessary after thorough evaluations of the team's performance.

What’s new: McDaniel's termination comes just months after he signed a three-year extension in August 2024.

His firing marks a notable shift as he had led the Dolphins to impressive offensive rankings, finishing sixth in total offense in 2022 and leading the NFL in 2023.
Despite these achievements, the decline in the team’s success this season ultimately cost him his job.

Yes, but: While McDaniel showcased creativity on offense, inconsistency plagued the Dolphins, particularly in 2024.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who led the league in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 yards, struggled with injuries this past season, missing six games.
The offense faltered significantly, illustrated by the Dolphins’ early struggles where they lost six of their first eight games.

What to watch: The future of Tua Tagovailoa may now be uncertain following McDaniel's exit.

With Tagovailoa's substantial cap hit of $56.4 million in 2026 and potential dead cap implications, the Dolphins face challenging decisions regarding his long-term viability as their starting quarterback.
Tagovailoa expressed openness to a fresh start, indicating that the organizational shake-up could be an opportunity for reinvention.

The bottom line: McDaniel's departure adds to the Dolphins' history of instability at the head coaching position, marking the third head coach in ten seasons.

No coach has completed four full seasons since Dave Wannstedt left the franchise in 2003.
As the Dolphins seek a new leader, the focus will also turn to how they can revitalize their roster to regain competitive standing in the AFC.

Dolphins fire HC McDaniel after disappointing 8-9 season, ending playoff hopes

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 8, 2026

The Miami Dolphins have fired head coach Mike McDaniel after two seasons, signaling a need for significant change within the organization.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Dolphins' disappointing trajectory, having missed the playoffs for the first time under McDaniel with an 8-9 record in 2024.

The team has now experienced back-to-back losing seasons following playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023.

Owner Stephen Ross emphasized that "comprehensive change" was necessary after thorough evaluations of the team's performance.

What’s new: McDaniel's termination comes just months after he signed a three-year extension in August 2024.

His firing marks a notable shift as he had led the Dolphins to impressive offensive rankings, finishing sixth in total offense in 2022 and leading the NFL in 2023.

Despite these achievements, the decline in the team’s success this season ultimately cost him his job.

Yes, but: While McDaniel showcased creativity on offense, inconsistency plagued the Dolphins, particularly in 2024.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who led the league in passing yards in 2023 with 4,624 yards, struggled with injuries this past season, missing six games.

The offense faltered significantly, illustrated by the Dolphins’ early struggles where they lost six of their first eight games.

What to watch: The future of Tua Tagovailoa may now be uncertain following McDaniel's exit.

With Tagovailoa's substantial cap hit of $56.4 million in 2026 and potential dead cap implications, the Dolphins face challenging decisions regarding his long-term viability as their starting quarterback.

Tagovailoa expressed openness to a fresh start, indicating that the organizational shake-up could be an opportunity for reinvention.

The bottom line: McDaniel's departure adds to the Dolphins' history of instability at the head coaching position, marking the third head coach in ten seasons.

No coach has completed four full seasons since Dave Wannstedt left the franchise in 2003.

As the Dolphins seek a new leader, the focus will also turn to how they can revitalize their roster to regain competitive standing in the AFC.