The Miami Dolphins have a massive couple of decisions to make amid a slog of a 2025 NFL season. While the futures of Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and other players are of note, their first decisions will be with Mike McDaniel.
There's been hot-seat rumors for most of the year, but after a four-game winning streak, those rumors cooled off. But the team's Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which eliminated them from playoff contention, rekindled those hot-seat rumors.
That is, until the latest report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. This latest update on McDaniel's status as the Dolphins' head coach revealed that he's expected to return for the Dolphins in 2026.
Dolphins reportedly make Mike McDaniel's 2026 coaching decision
"From our understanding, McDaniels, barring some sort of surprise, is expected back next season," Rapoport reports. "He does have the support of owner Stephen Ross... The two are close. The Dolphins organization does want McDaniel to succeed."
From @NFLGameDay: #Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is likely to be back in 2026, though Tua Tagovailoa is not. Where does it stand for Miami? Pic.twitter.com/H7dxWxc6gQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2025
Unless something drastic occurs in the next few weeks or some other form of friction occurs this offseason between McDaniel and the organization, the Dolphins are not expected to change their head coach.
The 42-year-old Dolphins head coach is in his fourth season and had his contract recently extended another year. Stephen Ross trusts him, and the organization believes in him.
McDaniel, despite a 6-8 record and another missed playoff berth, is likely to return as the Dolphins' head coach in 2026.
More: Tua Tagovailoa's contract looks like a nightmare for the Dolphins
While Tagovailoa's future with the team is very much in doubt, McDaniel is likely to come back in 2026 to remain the Dolphins' head coach.
He has a career 34-31 record, and with matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New England Patriots, McDaniel runs the risk of finishing his fourth season with a.500 record.
But just one win, against any team, will have his winning percentage over.500, and give him no worse than seven wins in each season he's coached in Miami.
The Dolphins aren't making a chance at their head coaching spot for 2026, as McDaniel, according to this report from Rapoport, is expected to remain in Miami for at least the 2026 season.
More Dolphins News:
- Mike McDaniel gives bizarre answer for Dolphins' lack of late-game urgency vs. Steelers
- Dolphins can't keep handing Tua Tagovailoa the QB Job after Steelers loss
- Dolphins playoff picture: Updated chances for Miami to make 2025 NFL postseason after Week 15 loss to Steelers
- Dolphins gave up on their playoff chances with head-scratching 4th quarter vs. Steelers
- Steelers vs. Dolphins final score, results: Rodgers throws two touchdowns, Steelers bully Dolphins to stay atop AFC North