Is Mike McDaniel’s Job in Jeopardy?
Mike McDaniel is staring squarely at the kind of job security no coach wants. After a disappointing start, recent reports suggest Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross might not wait until the season’s end. Insiders say McDaniel could be dismissed before October concludes. Tony Pauline of SportsKeeda reported that Ross is weighing a decision within the next two to three games, a stark contrast to the patience some had hoped for. Sources told Pauline that Ross initially gave McDaniel some leeway after the Colts blowout, but that “thin ice” is now threatening to crack.
That’s a bold move for a franchise that entered 2025 hoping for continuity under McDaniel and GM Chris Grier. Momentum has clearly shifted. McDaniel’s demeanor after their latest collapse, a 17-point lead they watched vanish in Carolina, didn’t help. He acknowledged Ross’s frustration in a postgame meeting: “He was really frustrated, just like I was.” McDaniel’s record in Miami stands at 29–27, with two playoff appearances but zero postseason victories. That middle ground may no longer be enough. Pauline’s report intimates that if McDaniel is let go, Grier might survive, though that’s not guaranteed. The preferred replacement? Someone more disciplinarian, perhaps even Rex Ryan, has been floated.
Not every insider is convinced the axe is swinging immediately. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler called McDaniel’s seat “moderately hot,” noting Ross still respects him and may want more time for improvement before pulling the trigger. He warned, however, that poor home attendance or a fan revolt could tip the scales. McDaniel is walking a tightrope: three upcoming games against the Chargers, Browns, and Falcons are viewed as winnable opportunities. Win at least two convincingly, and he might survive into December. Drop one or two badly, and Ross’s patience could evaporate. This isn’t just a “hot seat” storyline — it’s a turning point. Within Miami’s front office and across the NFL, McDaniel’s future is now something everyone is watching closely.
