The Miami Dolphins ended their season with a 38-10 loss to the New England Patriots. The loss represented the first time the Dolphins were swept by New England since 2016. After winning four straight games, Miami lost three out of their last four by 13 or more points. The Dolphins were outscored by 62 points in the final four games of the season.
After a 7-10 finish, their worst since 2019, questions arose about Mike McDaniel’s job security. Some around the league wondered whether McDaniel was on the hot seat. This happened after missing the playoffs in 2024, and extending their playoff win drought. However, owner Stephen Ross decided to keep McDaniel heading into the 2025 season, but he released a statement, saying the 2024 season was not good enough. In the statement, Ross also said, “Continuity in leadership is not to be confused with an acceptance that status quo is good enough.”
Changes were made in leadership this year. After a 1-6 start, the Dolphins fired general manager Chris Grier. Ross decided to keep McDaniel for the remainder of the season, but now uncertainty looms. McDaniel is 35-33 since taking over the Dolphins in 2022.
Mike McDaniel Reveals Feelings on Dolphins Future
Amidst the uncertainty, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that “Mike McDaniel has been recently expressing confidence about his job status to others.” Since the end of the regular season, four head coaches have already been fired and McDaniel is not one of them. While the team may ultimately wait for the new general manager to make a decision on the head coach, McDaniel’s confidence seems to have not wavered.
After the season, McDaniel was asked about his job status. He said, “No one is entitled to anything. I take the job seriously. I will aggressively attack the job tomorrow, like every day I have the job.” Additionally, following the loss to the Patriots, Miami Herald writer Barry Jackson noted that McDaniel made several references to coming back next season. This aligns with Josina Anderson’s reporting that McDaniel is confident about his job security.
Prior to the game, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said that he was leaning towards McDaniel’s job being safe, but that future conversations would determine his fate. Following the regular season finale, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Mike McDaniel was expected to return to the Miami Dolphins for the 2026 season.
Dolphins General Manager Search
Following the season, Miami revealed some of the candidates that they will be interviewing for their general manager search. The list included: Rams assistant general John McKay, Eagles assistant general manager Alec Halaby, Packers VP of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan, 49ers Director of Scouting and Football Operations Josh Williams, and 49ers VP of Player Personnel Tariq Ahmad.
Head coach Mike McDaniel has a history with Williams and Ahmad, as he previously served as the 49ers offensive coordinator prior to being hired by Miami. Additionally, it was reported that NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman was hired by the Dolphins to consult on their general manager search. He was previously critical of the Dolphins while announcing the team’s Monday Night Football game against Pittsburgh.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel Shares True Feelings on Job Status