The Miami Dolphins were facing a transition year entering 2025, and they've been hot and cold all year long.
After starting 1-7, the team fired longtime general manager Chris Grier and has been evaluating head coach Mike McDaniel ever since.
The Dolphins ripped off four straight wins, fighting tooth and nail to stay alive in the AFC Wildcard race, but a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Monday night sealed their fates. The real question becomes, has McDaniel done enough to warrant his return in 2026?
Bill Barnwell tabs Dolphins as an undesirable head coach opening
ESPN's Bill Barnwell's head coach opening rankings paint the Dolphins' job as unattractive, which would likely lead to McDaniel keeping his job for at least another season.
"One of the reasons the Dolphins might not want to fire McDaniel, of course, is that there aren't many viable replacements on the open market. Ross has typically preferred to hire young offensive assistants; Philbin, Gase and McDaniel were all first-time coaches from offensive backgrounds, with Flores as the lone exception," wrote Barnwell.
"If Ross goes down that path again, he's looking at coaches like Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak and Bills OC Joe Brady. Are they really likely to be better than McDaniel, who would immediately attract interest from other teams looking for their offensive-focused head coach?"
The reality of the situation is that McDaniel has shown that his team won't quit on him despite a losing record, and he's the best option to lead the Dolphins for at least one more season.
More Dolphins news:
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- Dolphins update QB depth chart after Tua Tagovailoa's benching
- Dolphins urged to give contract extension to defensive captain
- Dolphins predicted to land Jaelan Phillips replacement in 2026 mock draft
- Dolphins could activate major offensive reinforcements off injured reserve
- Dolphins general manager position viewed as 'exceptional' front office opportunity