The Miami Dolphins have fired head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons with the organization. ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter first reported the news.
ESPN Sources: Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2026
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross met with McDaniel this week to discuss the season. After that meeting and reflection, Ross decided to move on. pic.twitter.com/tp9TnpGQ1l
McDaniel first took over the head coaching role in 2022, and led Miami to back-to-back postseason appearances, before injuries took a tole on his last two seasons.
In 2024, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed significant time with a concussion, which led to the Dolphins missing the playoffs and finishing the season with an 8-9 record - their first losing record since 2019. Then in 2025, with Tagovailoa fully healthy, standout wide receiver Tyreek Hill had his season cut short after just four games, when he suffered a gruesome leg injury.
Miami finished with a 7-10 record - its first 10-loss season since 2017 - and began the domino effect which eventually led to McDaniels dismissal. Now, with head coaching positions open with the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens, McDaniel will have his fair share of opportunities to remain a head coach of an NFL roster.
However, if he choses to he can also pursue an offensive coordinator role, which the Washington Commanders currently have open.
