Miami Dolphins make Mike McDaniel decision as disastrous season hits new low
The Miami Dolphins are 1-6 and their season is spiraling out of control, with head coach Mike McDaniel now facing the prospect of being fired - but two key factors could see him dismissed
The Miami Dolphins are ready to stick with Mike McDaniel as head coach, but two major factors could lead to his dismissal.
On Sunday, the Dolphins' disastrous season hit a new low. After traveling to Cleveland to face the equally struggling Browns, Tua Tagovailoa threw three interceptions while Quinshon Judkins rushed in three touchdowns in a 31-6 loss.
This marked the third consecutive defeat for the Dolphins, who fell to a dismal 1-6 record for the first time since 2021. The performance in Cleveland was particularly disheartening; the Dolphins scored a season-low six points. Meanwhile, Quinn Ewers has been given a career boost after Tagovailoa's nightmare against the Browns.
McDaniel inked a three-year extension ahead of the 2024 season and owner Stephen Ross reportedly hopes things will work out with the former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator at the helm. However, his mind could change based on two scenarios.
Per Ian Rapoport, Ross will contemplate firing McDaniel if fans stop showing up at Hard Rock Stadium. The stadium was notably sparse during the recent loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The second crucial factor is if the players stop playing for him. Given that the Dolphins have already held players-only meetings, Tagovailoa has publicly criticized teammates, and Miami continues to lose games even to subpar opponents like the Browns, McDaniel's days could be numbered.
When questioned about his job security, McDaniel maintained that worrying would be unfair to everyone else in the organization.
He explained: "The way I look at this job is I find it very offensive to all parties involved if I'm thinking about having the job - I need to be doing my job.
"So, for as long as I coach for the Miami Dolphins and this organization, they'll get everything from me. And I refuse to spend my time thinking about [my job security] ... You have a job, you do your job and you do it to the best of your ability.
"That's where my concern lies. I think it's offensive to all coaches, players and the organization if I'm spending that precious time thinking about myself."
McDaniel also acknowledged he could sense his players' frustrations were hitting a boiling point during the defeat to the Browns.
Miami racked up 11 penalties for 103 yards in the loss, both franchise highs since McDaniel took over in 2022.
McDaniel's struggling 1-6 Dolphins have a chance to right the ship when they face the 3-3 Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 26.