The Miami Dolphins have decided that the Mike McDaniel era is over.
On Thursday, the Dolphins officially parted ways with their head coach. McDaniel's departure comes after his fourth season with the franchise, posting a 7-10 record and missing the playoffs. Miami started the season 2-7 before going 5-3 to end the season.
In total, McDaniel led Miami to a 35-33 record through 68 games.
As the overall record indicates, things weren't always this bad for McDaniel. He led the Dolphins to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons at the helm, only for the team to backslide to an 8-9 mark in 2024 and its dreadful start to the 2025 season.
Here is more on Miami's decision to part ways with the 42-year-old.
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Why did the Dolphins fire Mike McDaniel?
Team owner Stephen Ross released a statement about the decision. He cited the franchise's need for comprehensive change, which is what sparked the move. Ross didn't think that the results were there, and didn't want to move forward with what has become a new norm in Miami, per ESPN's Jeff Darlington.
The Miami Dolphins have relieved Head Coach Mike McDaniel of his duties. Pic.twitter.com/5APbwENBU1
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 8, 2026
Miami lost seven of its first nine games to open the 2025 season, its lone wins coming over the winless New York Jets in Week 4 and an inconsistent Atlanta Falcons side in Week 8.
The Dolphins followed their first win with two devastating losses, first blowing a 17-0 lead in a three-point loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 5. In Week 6, the Dolphins took a 27-26 lead over the Los Angeles Chargers with under a minute to play, but L.A. Quickly drove down the field for a game-winning field goal.
Week 7 was the most brutal of all, as the Dolphins were gashed on the ground in a 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
The losses came with eyebrow-raising moments, as a dejected McDaniel and visibly frustrated Dan Marino walked through the tunnels at Bank of America Stadium following Week 5.
A dejected Mike McDaniel walks into the locker after a Panthers 27-24 victory. Pic.twitter.com/0rDMfLefwP
— Chris Lea - Sportscaster (@ChrisLeaTV) October 5, 2025
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After Week 6, it was curious comments from Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa. When addressing reporters about the locker room, Tagovailoa mentioned teammates not showing up to players-only meetings, hinting that there are issues with the team's culture.
🎥 Tua Tagovailoa reveals players have been arriving late and not showing up to players only meetings: "We have guys showing up to player online meetings late, guys not showing up to player only meetings." (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/P05u2eb9cH
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) October 12, 2025
In Week 7, McDaniel addressed the elephant in the room, calling questions about his job security "offensive to all parties involved," adding that "for as long as I coach for the Miami Dolphins and this organization, they'll get everything from me."
🎥 Mike McDaniel on his job security: "I find it very offensive to all parties if I'm thinking about having the job. For as long as I coach for the Miami Dolphins and this organization, they'll get everything from me." (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/rbxsfqwiYk
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) October 19, 2025
A 34-10 win over the Falcons in Week 8 was followed by a blowout loss to the struggling Baltimore Ravens. Miami failed to record a touchdown against a defense that surrendered 30 or more points in three of its first five games.
After that, the Dolphins went on a four-game winning streak, presumably saving McDaniel's job in the process. However, the team then went 1-3 to end the season, finishing at 7-10.
While McDaniel seemingly survived the initial wave of firings on Black Monday, the Dolphins had other plans, parting ways with the coach on Thursday, Jan. 8. It may not be a coincidence the decision comes after the Ravens shocking decision to fire John Harbaugh. Miami owner Stephen Ross has ties to the Harbaugh family.
With John Harbaugh available, and #Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' ties to the family, he now looms as a key candidate for Miami. A reason to fire a coach, with the thought that they could get Harbaugh.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2026
Despite the ties to Harbaugh, the Dolphins have not yet reached out to his camp, per Darlington. Miami is expected to conduct its coaching search after hiring a new GM. Darlington reported that the decision to fire McDaniel would have happened regardless of Harbaugh's availability.
How old is Mike McDaniel?
McDaniel is 42 years old. He was among the youngest head coaches in the league before Miami fired him.
Mike McDaniel coaching record
Miami was the first head coaching gig in McDaniel's career so far. Overall, he has a 35-33 regular-season record and has gone 0-2 in the playoffs.
| Year | Regular Season Record | Playoff Record |
| 2022 | 9-8 | 0-1 |
| 2023 | 11-6 | 0-1 |
| 2024 | 8-9 | -- |
| 2025 | 7-10 | -- |
| Total | 35-33 | 0-2 |
How long has Mike McDaniel coached the Dolphins?
McDaniel was hired as the head coach of the Dolphins ahead of the 2022 season. He remained in the role for four seasons before being fired.