Despite the lack of public comment from Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, head coach Mike McDaniel appears to have survived the NFL’s annual “Black Monday,” based on his remarks Monday.
"My understanding is that I'm the coach of the Miami Dolphins until told otherwise," McDaniel told reporters in Miami late Monday afternoon.
McDaniel said he expects to be involved in the search for a new general manager, though he acknowledged the final decision rests with Ross.
"I'm gonna be part of the process," he said. "Behind that, the main objective and what everyone's counting on is that we have a cohesive group of people working in the same direction. It's not my decision to make."
Ross wants McDaniel to have a new QB, insider says
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rappaport, Ross hopes to give McDaniel another season with a new quarterback. McDaniel confirmed Monday that he expects a quarterback competition in 2026.
The Dolphins are widely expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa, who signed a $212.4 million contract in 2024. Rookie Quinn Ewers started Miami’s final three games this season, finishing 1-2. His lone standout performance came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he threw two touchdown passes and posted a 118 quarterback rating.
Miami holds the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
McDaniel is part of the Mike Shanahan coaching tree. He led the Dolphins to the playoffs in his first two seasons as head coach but has recorded two losing seasons in a row. His career record, including playoffs, is 35-34.
More Dolphins news:
We now know what 2026 NFL Draft pick the Giants got from Darren Waller trade to Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa sends clear message regarding his future with Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins’ future with Quinn Ewers: How he can secure the QB1 job in 2026