The Miami Dolphins’ season has spiraled into disappointment, and the cracks are showing everywhere, from the locker room to the sideline. Despite a 1-6 record and a 31-6 blowout loss to the Cleveland Browns, head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to keep his job for now.
But as frustrations mount and the team appears increasingly directionless, Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher’s criticism rings louder. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who once flourished under McDaniel, has regressed sharply, leading the NFL in turnovers and acknowledging his poor play.
The Dolphins’ identity, once built on speed and precision, now looks fractured, and McDaniel’s grip on his team is being tested in real time.
McDaniel faces mounting criticism as Dolphins’ leadership fractures
After Sunday’s lifeless performance, Cowher didn’t hold back on NFL on CBS, saying Miami “looked almost disinterested” and “deflated” in the second half.
“There’s been a lot of talk about the lack of structure they have inside the building,” he added. “We see the product that’s on the field. And right now, there’s some issues in Miami.”
Those issues surfaced earlier this month when Tagovailoa publicly called out teammates for showing up late, or skipping players-only meetings.
McDaniel downplayed the comments, calling them a “misguided interpretation.” But the back-and-forth highlighted a disconnect between coach and quarterback that mirrors the team’s on-field chaos.
Once a playoff regular under McDaniel, the Dolphins have gone 9-15 since and sit at 29-29 overall during his tenure.
Tagovailoa’s struggles have amplified the crisis. After throwing four interceptions against Cleveland and posting a career-low 24.1 passer rating, he admitted,
“Definitely not happy, not proud of where I’m at with my play. I know I’ve gotta be a lot better.”
McDaniel, however, is sticking with his starter.
“He’s gonna take the snaps this week and he’s gonna be our starter this week,” he said, while stressing the team can’t “throw 10 picks.”
Miami’s lone win came against the winless Jets, and with 11 penalties and four turnovers against Cleveland, even McDaniel admitted his team “did everything to lose the game.”
Cowher wasn’t the only one who saw lifeless body language. McDaniel did, too, and that might be the biggest warning sign yet, as control is slipping inside Miami’s locker room.
More NFL News
- Saints send mixed signals on Chris Olave, sparking Patriots trade interest
- Jets coach Aaron Glenn seeks outside help after stunning QB benching
- Saints season in freefall as Spencer Rattler’s meltdown meets brutal injury crisis
- Caleb Williams’ self-blame may be the leadership moment Chicago needed
- Mac Jones may be the NFL’s most profitable backup, stacking $100K wins as Purdy heals
- Shedeur Sanders may not wait long for his Browns debut, insider reveals