Dolphins fire head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons citing need for ‘comprehensive change’

The NFL coaching carousel continued to spin Thursday after the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons with the organization.

Owner Stephen Ross announced the news, citing the need for a “comprehensive turnaround” after the team missed the playoffs for the second straight year with a 7-10 finish this season.

Head coach Mike McDaniel hugs Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross after a game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 8, 2023. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization needs a comprehensive change,” the statement read.

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“I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach. I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best in the future.”

The Dolphins made consecutive playoff appearances in McDaniel’s first two seasons as head coach, but were eliminated both times in the first round. The following season, they were eliminated after suffering an unexpected loss to the New York Jets in the team’s season finale.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is on the field before a game against the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on November 30, 2025. (Rich Story/Picture Images)

McDaniel’s final season in Miami was tumultuous, highlighted by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles and eventual benching in the final three games of the season.

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As one of his last major moves as head coach, McDaniel said this week that the Dolphins would hold a quarterback competition for the 2026 season, a decision Tagovailoa appeared to welcome this week when he confirmed he was open to a “fresh start” elsewhere.

In addition to replacing their head coach and finding a reliable candidate at the quarterback position, the Dolphins will also look to replace veteran general manager Chris Grier following his midseason firing.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday that the team has not contacted John Harbaugh, the top coach on the market after the Baltimore Ravens made the shocking decision to fire the Super Bowl champion coach after 18 seasons.

Mike McDaniel talks with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

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The latest firing brings the total number of head coaching vacancies in the NFL to eight.

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