The Miami Dolphins entered the 2024 NFL season with high hopes and a roster stacked with talent, but after another year of inconsistency and unmet expectations, questions surrounding head coach Mike McDaniel are beginning to intensify. Now three seasons into his tenure, the excitement that once surrounded the offensive-minded coach has been replaced by skepticism, frustration, and a fan base wondering whether McDaniel is truly the man to lead the franchise to championship contention.
When McDaniel was hired in 2022, he brought with him the promise of innovation and a creative offensive philosophy rooted in his time with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. His quirky personality, intellect, and unique approach to coaching were a breath of fresh air in a league often dominated by hardened disciplinarians. In year one, he reinvigorated Miami’s offense, elevated Tua Tagovailoa’s play, and helped make the Dolphins one of the most watchable teams in football.
But for all the early promise, Miami’s progress under McDaniel has plateaued—and in some respects, regressed. The team continues to struggle in critical moments, especially against top-tier opponents. In three seasons, McDaniel has failed to win a playoff game and has repeatedly watched his team falter late in the year when the pressure is highest.
One of the most persistent criticisms is McDaniel’s game management. Timeouts are often burned unnecessarily, situational awareness lapses at key junctures, and the Dolphins’ offense—so explosive in September and October—tends to disappear in December and January. Opponents appear to make adjustments that Miami never seems prepared to counter. The creativity that defines McDaniel’s playbook too often crosses the line into overcomp
