The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday morning after a disappointing 7-10 season in which the team missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.
The decision, which came as no surprise to many people after the team’s performance this season, was made by team owner Stephen M. Ross amid on-field struggles and fan frustration this season.
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive chance,” Ross said in a statement. “I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach.”
Ross went on to thank McDaniel for his “hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization.”
Ross said McDaniel is a “creative football mind” with a passion for the game and his players.
“I wish him and his family the best moving forward,” Ross concluded.”
McDaniel calls coaching job “honor of a lifetime”
Shortly after news spread like wildfire that McDaniel had been released by the team, he provided a statement calling his time with the Dolphins the “honor of a lifetime.”
“Coaching this team and being a part of this great franchise has been the honor of a lifetime,” McDaniel said in the statement. “When I took this job, I had a vision of a team that was bonded together and played with passion and energy on the path to winning championships.”
McDaniel said he gave “everything he had” to accomplish that goal.
“I am disappointed, especially for the fans, that we did not have better results on the field, but I am grateful for every coach, player and staff member who poured themselves into that vision alongside me.”
McDaniel went on to tank Ross for the coaching opportunity.
“Most of all I’m thankful to my wife Katie and my daughter Ayla for their unending love and support,” he said. “I love this game, the people and relationships that are a part of it, and I will forever cherish my time in Miami.”
Mike McDaniel, from early promise to sudden downfall
McDaniel’s tenure began with optimism, as his innovative offensive schemes and personality drew praise.
The Dolphins went 35-33 under McDaniel and reached the playoffs in his first two season, but lost in the first round each time. The back-to-back playoff appearances, though, was something the franchise had not achieved in more than 20 years.
In 2023, the Dolphins went 11-6 and had the NFL’s top-ranked offense, with Tua Tagovailoa leading the league in passing yards.
But results soured over the past two seasons.
Miami missed the postseason in 2024 after being eliminated by the Jets in the regular-season finale. This year, the postseason hopes for the Dolphins ended with a loss to Pittsburgh in Week 15, ensuring that their 25-year playoff-win drought, which is the longest streak in the NFL, would continue.
Miami finished last year 8-9, and finished the 2025 season 7-10.
McDaniel, once celebrated for his sharp wit – including the line “we’re another day closer to death” to inspire his players – now faces an abrupt end to his head coaching role in Miami.
“Eventually, like everybody else in this league, you’re not entitled to this position,” McDaniel said Monday. “If I’m not able to win regular-season games, playoff games and Super Bowls, eventually the job won’t be mine.”
