The Miami Dolphins are moving forward with head coach Mike McDaniel as the franchise resets its leadership structure and reassesses the most important position on the roster.
McDaniel said that he expects to remain in his role. At the same time, the organization continues its search for a new general manager and evaluates options at quarterback ahead of the 2026 season.
McDaniel acknowledged the urgency following a 7-10 finish in 2025, Miami’s second straight year outside the postseason. He said results have fallen short of expectations and made clear that improving the product on the field is his only priority.
Ownership will make the final call on personnel decisions, but McDaniel confirmed he will assist in the general manager hiring process, emphasizing alignment and trust across leadership.
Quarterback competition is also coming. McDaniel said there will be an open battle for the starting job in 2026, whether the answer comes from within the roster or elsewhere.
He plans to meet with Tua Tagovailoa, but stressed that any long-term decision regarding Tagovailoa’s future belongs to the organization.
Miami’s offseason decisions extend beyond quarterback. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill continues rehabilitation after a knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2025. Hill, ranked No. 47 by peers in 2025 after topping the list in 2024, stands seventh in franchise history with 4,733 receiving yards across four seasons.
Front office reset shapes Dolphins’ 2026 direction
Stability at the head coach position provides a foundation as Miami rebuilds its front office. The Dolphins are replacing a general manager after Chris Grier was dismissed in October.
McDaniel said his role will be limited to advising ownership, with the final choice resting elsewhere. Troy Aikman has reportedly been assisting in the search.
Despite speculation, NFL Network reported the team plans to retain McDaniel, a stance echoed publicly by the coach. ESPN also reported the Dolphins believe quarterback instability contributed heavily to the 2025 struggles.
Financial implications loom large. Tagovailoa is owed $54 million guaranteed in 2026. A post-June 1 release of Hill would clear roughly $30 million in cap space, according to AllSportsPeople. Tagovailoa himself said Monday he would be open to a new opportunity, even if it comes with another team.
McDaniel is scheduled to meet with owner Stephen Ross later this week to map out the next steps. Miami, which has not reached the playoffs since 2000, faces another pivotal offseason as it attempts to end the longest active postseason drought in the NFL.
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