The Mike McDaniel era with the Miami Dolphins is at its end.
The team confirmed the dismissal of their head coach on Thursday after four seasons.
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change. I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. “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 moving forward.”
The Dolphins finished at 7-10 in 2025, third in the AFC East. It was the second straight year the team missed the playoffs.
The Miami Dolphins have relieved Head Coach Mike McDaniel of his duties. pic.twitter.com/5APbwENBU1
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 8, 2026
A native of Aurora, CO, McDaniel was hired by the Dolphins after five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Starting as the run game coordinator, McDaniel was promoted to offensive coordinator in his final season in the Bay Area.
McDaniel led the team to the playoffs in his first season for the first time since 2016, finishing the season at 9-8, with the Dolphins improving to 11-6 in his second season. Both campaigns ended in the wild-card round at the hands of the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.
A combination of injuries and poor play saw the team take a step back in 2024, finishing the season at 8-9. In 2025, a 2-7 start to the season cost general manager Chris Grier his job on Halloween and McDaniel ended up benching starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa down the stretch.
McDaniel finishes his Dolphins tenure with a mark of 35-33.
Since the departure of Don Shula in 1996 after 26 seasons, the Dolphins will now search for an 11th permanent head coach.
