The Miami Dolphins wrapped up the 2025 NFL regular season with more questions than answers, even as head coach Mike McDaniel remains in place heading into the offseason.
McDaniel survived the league’s dreaded Black Monday, but that alone hasn’t quieted speculation about his future. The Dolphins are now navigating an offseason without a general manager, and the timing of that search has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff.
That uncertainty was highlighted this week by longtime Dolphins reporter Barry Jackson, who shed light on what potential front-office candidates are — and aren’t — being told.
“Per source with direct knowledge, multiple Dolphins’ GM candidates have NOT been told if McDaniel is returning,” Jackson posted on X.
The report lands after a season in which McDaniel spent much of the year on the hot seat. Miami opened the regular season 1-6, a brutal start that immediately placed the head coach under scrutiny. While the Dolphins managed to rally by winning five of their next six games, the late surge proved unsustainable.
Miami closed the season by losing three of its final four games, finishing 7-10. It marked McDaniel’s second losing season in four years and his worst record to date. His overall mark now sits at 35-33 with two playoff appearances — respectable, but increasingly underwhelming given expectations.
One of the most telling moments came during that final stretch, when the Dolphins fell 28-15 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shortly after, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was benched, a move that reflected the organization’s growing frustration and lack of direction as the season slipped away.
The instability extends beyond the sideline. On October 31, Miami parted ways with general manager Chris Grier. According to ESPN, the Dolphins labeled the move a mutual decision less than 24 hours after a 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens dropped the team to 2-7.
McDaniel may still be standing now, but Jackson’s report suggests his future could be intertwined with who ultimately takes over the Dolphins’ front office. For a coach who survived the season, the offseason may prove even more revealing.