Head coach Mike McDaniel fired as Miami Dolphins make changes
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The Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons. Photo: Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images
After four seasons, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday.
Why it matters: The move comes after the team finished the season with a 7-10 record and failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
- The team parted ways with longtime general manager Chris Grier in October.
- After the team's Week 15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, McDaniel benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and named rookie Quinn Ewers to start.
What they're saying: "Coaching this team and being a part of this great franchise has been the honor of a lifetime," McDaniel said in a statement following the announcement.
- "I gave everything I had for that goal [of winning championships]. I am disappointed, especially for the fans, that we did not have better results on the field."
Catch up quick: The Fins hired McDaniel in 2022 — Tagovailoa's second year as QB — to replace Brian Flores.
- Fans quickly jumped to support the new head coach in what was dubbed the McDaniel-Tagovailoa era. (Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards in the duo's second season together.)
- In his first two seasons, McDaniel compiled a record of 20-14, Tagovailoa made his only Pro Bowl appearance, and the team made two playoff appearances.
What we'll miss: McDaniel's quirky style, personality and enthusiasm for the game.
- He was known to wear gilded sunglasses and designer sneakers, rolling up his sweatpants and rocking a big-face watch, with some calling him the best-dressed coach in the NFL.
What we're watching: McDaniel's removal has some speculating the team could go after John Harbaugh, who was recently fired from the Ravens. (Dolphins' owner Steven Ross and the Harbaugh family go way back, the Palm Beach Post reported.)
- Plus, the Fins could make a decision on the team's next general manager as early as Friday, the Herald reported Thursday morning.
- The team will also have to decide what to do with Tagovailoa ahead of next season.