Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians hasn’t coached since the 2021 season, a year removed from winning the Super Bowl. However, whenever teams get in a jam, his name is often mentioned for a potential comeback.
Right now, there are six 0-3 teams in the NFL that could use a spark to finally pick up a win. If any of them still have playoff hopes, history isn’t on their side. Only six teams in league history have started 0-3 and gone on to make the postseason.
That’s where Arians could come in.
One of those winless teams is the Miami Dolphins, who Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay suggested could replace head coach Mike McDaniel.
“While it’s unlikely that any single player could come in and make this team start living up to its immense talent level, a coaching change could instead make all the difference. A proven leader like Bruce Arians — a renowned motivator during his outstanding tenure as an NFL coach — would be able to get the ’Phins back on track,” Kay wrote.
Dolphins Would Have to Trade for Bruce Arians
There is one caveat, however. Miami would likely need to make a trade for the 72-year-old. Although Arians retired just before the 2022 season, he remained with the Buccaneers as a consultant, meaning his contract status is unclear.
Kay suggested that if a trade were necessary, Miami could send Tampa Bay a 2026 fourth-round pick to acquire Arians.
“Trading for a new coach in the midst of a season would break new ground, but the Dolphins don’t have much to lose after their abysmal start. Adding a Super Bowl-winning coach to the mix is their best chance of righting the ship,” Kay added.
Arians is 80-48-1 lifetime with one Super Bowl title and former two-time AP Coach of the Year.
Mike McDaniel is On the Hot Seat
Not only have the Dolphins opened the season 0-3, but McDaniel’s overall record has also dipped further below expectations. After finishing last year 8-9 and missing the playoffs, he now sits at 28-26 in his career with no postseason wins.
Now in his fourth season, McDaniel can’t afford another losing campaign. At this point, the Miami coach feels like he’s working on borrowed time.