After an underwhelming 2025 NFL campaign, Mike McDaniel was officially relieved of his duties as the Miami Dolphins head coach.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the call to oust McDaniel was made after the Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and the former head coach had a postseason meeting, with the former deciding to move on from McDaniel.
He finished his most recent stint with the Miami-based franchise with an overall record of 7-10, marking the side’s second playoff disqualification in a row. Under the stewardship of McDaniel, the team did reach the playoffs in his first couple of seasons as the head coach but could not go on a run, losing both of their first-round playoff fixtures in 2022 & 2023.
Meanwhile, McDaniel’s departure from the Dolphins has but naturally caused a lot of implications as far as his contract is concerned.
After signing a contract extension with the Dolphins back in 2024, his tenure was slated to be up to 2028 before he was fired. He reportedly earned $3.5 million and $4.5 million per year during his time as the Dolphins head coach.
However, his firing means that Miami will have to incur a payout, and reports suggest that it’s a hefty paycheck. The Dolphins’ decision to part ways with him reportedly carries a payout of $12 million.
While McDaniel’s next coaching destination remains unknown, he finishes his tenure with the Dolphins with an overall record of 35-33.
Who Could Replace Mike McDaniel At Miami?
With Miami firing Mike McDaniel following his inability to lead the side to playoffs, the Dolphins might look at someone who would help them be in postseason contention in 2026.
From a pure playoffs perspective, the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator Joe Brady, ever since joining the side, has ensured the team a playoff berth for four years in a row, something the Dolphins could potentially get used to if they hire him.
As far as big names go, Mike McCarthy is by far the biggest name out there currently, but given his NFL stature, a lot of teams are already looking at him as their new head coach.
The likes of Jeff Hafley, Kliff Kingsbury, and Jesse Minter too could be some options the Dolphins could look at in order to fill their head coach vacancy.
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