Dolphins coach dismisses weather narrative before game against division rival
NEWNow you can listen to News articles!
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel wants to make sure his team only focuses on the New York Jets, not the cold weather conditions they will be playing in.
McDaniel, 42, said during his news conference Friday that the divisional showdown is about playing the Jets and not the cold.
“I think every team is unique. I don’t rule it out, but you have to make sure the opponent is the Jets, not the weather,” McDaniel said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON News
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)
“I think we have a lot of reasons not to worry about the temperature and humidity elements. Realistically, all of these guys have played football in those elements. It’s going to be about playing against the Jets, and not playing in the cold.”
Since Tua Tagovailoa took over as Dolphins quarterback, the team has had trouble playing in the cold. The Dolphins are 0-7 in games started by Tagovailoa when the temperature is below 46 degrees, according to The Palm Beach Post.
The temperature when the Dolphins play the Jets is expected to be around 40 degrees.
TEXAS TECH DOMINATES BYU TO WIN FIRST BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa gestures during a press conference after the Dolphins defeated the Los Angeles Rams 23-15 in an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
The 27-year-old said they get paid to play football regardless of the weather.
“It’s a mentality,” Tagovailoa said at a news conference Wednesday.
“This is what we get paid to do: play football whether it’s raining, snowing, sleeting, hot or cold. Regardless, we have to go out and do our job.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP
Combine News One and News Nation to stream the entire News Nation library, plus live News, sports and entertainment at our lowest price of the year. Offer ends January 4, 2026. (News One; News Nation)
The Dolphins are 5-7, but have reeled off three straight wins to keep them out of playoff contention. If the Dolphins want to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, they will have to beat the Jets (3-9) on the road in New Jersey.
The Dolphins play the Jets at 1 pm ET on Sunday.
Follow News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for News Digital.