The Miami Dolphins picked up their first win on Monday night against the New York Jets. Head coach Mike McDaniel is under increasing pressure as the season progresses. While the front office doesn't want to make a change—believing McDaniel is a strong coach—the pressure from fans, continued losses, and other external factors could ultimately force their hand.
“However, there's a caveat. If fans suddenly stop showing up to the stadium or if players stop playing for him, that can alter the situation,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said.
McDaniel still has strong support within the locker room. His players love playing for him, including star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. After a Week 3 loss, Hill made it clear how much respect he has for his coach.
“His pi** was hot.” – Hill on McDaniel. “The way he coached and the way he led men today was a beautiful thing.”
However, disaster struck Monday night when Hill went down with a gruesome knee injury and was rushed to the hospital.
“Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill has torn multiple ligaments in his dislocated knee, including his ACL, ending his season and giving him a long road ahead for 2026, source says. He’ll have surgery today to repair the significant injury,” Rapoport posted.
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With Hill potentially missing all of next season as well, the Dolphins may be forced to make a difficult but necessary decision for the long-term benefit of the team.
“With surgery today, it’s possible that Tyreek Hill will undergo additional surgeries. There is no guarantee he’ll be ready for 2026. None of his 2026 salary is guaranteed now, but $11M (of $29.9M) becomes fully guaranteed if he’s on the roster in March, plus a $5M roster bonus,” Rapoport wrote.
If the Dolphins decide to cut Hill, it would be an unfortunate outcome rooted more in circumstance than desire. Miami is already in a tight cap situation, and with Hill likely sidelined for an extended period, the move—while difficult—could make financial sense.
Such a decision would mark the end of a strange and rollercoaster-like tenure for Hill in Miami, one filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.