Is Mike McDaniel the Answer as Miami’s Head Coach Moving Forward?

Despite multiple people in the media questioning his competence as a leader, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to return for the 2026 season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “Our understanding is that McDaniel, barring some sort of surprise, is expected back next season,” Rapoport reported Sunday morning.

Throughout the season, McDaniel has frequently faced questions regarding his job security, a line of inquiry that resurfaced during his postgame press conference on Sunday. That game marked Miami’s first contest since benching Tua Tagovailoa, a move that has intensified speculation about the direction of the quarterback position. Determining who will lead the Dolphins under center remains a top priority as the organization looks ahead to next year.

As of late 2025, McDaniel’s tenure as Miami’s head coach stands at roughly 34 wins and 32 losses, with a postseason record of 0–2. He guided the Dolphins to the playoffs in his first two seasons, 2022 and 2023, before the team missed the postseason in 2024. If McDaniel is involved in the quarterback decision-making process, his role with the team beyond 2026 could hinge heavily on the outcomes of those choices. The team’s leadership will likely weigh the performance of both coach and player when planning for the future, aiming to build a competitive roster capable of returning to postseason success.

The 2025 campaign has been challenging, with pressure mounting despite earlier contract extensions and McDaniel’s initial success in turning the franchise around. This combination of factors underscores the critical decisions facing the Dolphins’ front office as they prepare for the seasons ahead.

Despite multiple people in the media questioning his competence as a leader, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to return for the 2026 season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “Our understanding is that McDaniel, barring some sort of surprise, is expected back next season,” Rapoport reported Sunday morning.

Throughout the season, McDaniel has frequently faced questions regarding his job security, a line of inquiry that resurfaced during his postgame press conference on Sunday. That game marked Miami’s first contest since benching Tua Tagovailoa, a move that has intensified speculation about the direction of the quarterback position. Determining who will lead the Dolphins under center remains a top priority as the organization looks ahead to next year.

As of late 2025, McDaniel’s tenure as Miami’s head coach stands at roughly 34 wins and 32 losses, with a postseason record of 0–2. He guided the Dolphins to the playoffs in his first two seasons, 2022 and 2023, before the team missed the postseason in 2024. If McDaniel is involved in the quarterback decision-making process, his role with the team beyond 2026 could hinge heavily on the outcomes of those choices. The team’s leadership will likely weigh the performance of both coach and player when planning for the future, aiming to build a competitive roster capable of returning to postseason success.

The 2025 campaign has been challenging, with pressure mounting despite earlier contract extensions and McDaniel’s initial success in turning the franchise around. This combination of factors underscores the critical decisions facing the Dolphins’ front office as they prepare for the seasons ahead.