The Miami Dolphins are in the middle of a remarkable turnaround. After starting 1-6, they currently find themselves at 6-7. They have won four straight games and are now one game away from being at the .500 mark for the first time this season. Against all odds, this has led to Mike McDaniel’s dismissal going from a likely occurrence to a legitimate question heading into the offseason.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that “Mike McDaniel has a chance to save his job in Miami with a strong finish, which he seems to be on his way to putting together.” While the Dolphins strong finish may be too late for a playoff berth, it seems as though it might be enough to keep McDaniel at the helm heading into next season. Graziano also added that “people around the league think he has made a compelling case to stay.”
Mike McDaniel’s Job Security
Following back-to-back winning seasons and consecutive playoff berths, McDaniel’s job security heading into the 2024 season was not a point of discussion. Their consecutive playoff berths were the first time Miami had made two consecutive postseason appearances since 2000 and 2001 seasons. As a reward for his efforts, the Dolphins signed the head coach to an extension. This extension kept McDaniel under contract with the Dolphins through the 2028 season.
Since the extension, the Miami Dolphins have been 14-16. This has led many to question whether the head coach is on his way out of Miami. The Dolphins already made the decision of moving on from general manager Chris Grier following their 2-7 start. Owner Stephen Ross decided to let McDaniel finish out the year and see whether he could turn the season around. Since the general manager’s firing, the Dolphins are 4-0.
McDaniel has turned the season around primarily after undergoing a shift in identity. Prior to arriving in Miami, McDaniel made his name as San Francisco’s run game coordinator. He was a big part of the reason why the 49ers made the NFC Championship in 2021 as he helped Deebo Samuel transition into a wide receiver who also played running back. However, despite McDaniel’s success in Miami, it failed to resemble what he did in San Francisco. Instead of a potent running team, Miami became one of the NFL’s most exciting offenses due to their explosive pass game.
In 2025, with the Dolphins at 1-6, that mentality shifted. McDaniel went back to what made him rise among coaching ranks and revolutionized Miami’s run game. He added a wrinkle to their offense, using six offensive linemen instead of a backup tight end. Since then, De’Von Achane has been among the most successful running backs in the NFL and Miami’s running game has led them to four straight wins. If Mike McDaniel finishes strong and keeps his job, that added wrinkle will be a big reason why.
Alternatives to Mike McDaniel
The possibility of McDaniel being dismissed from the Miami Dolphins is still very real. Miami could lose its remaining four games and that would likely result in his firing. McDaniel is already in a difficult spot, as Graziano said “anytime the GM gets fired midseason (as Chris Grier was in Miami), more potential change could be on the way.”
There have already been some rumors about who could replace Mike McDaniel in the case of his firing. Former Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has already been linked to the position. Current defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has had his name mentioned among possible future head coaches. Some fans have also clamored for Chris Shula, whose grandfather is the NFL and Dolphins’ all-time leader in wins for a head coach.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Mike McDaniel Has a ‘Chance’ to Save His Job appeared first on Heavy Sports.