The Miami Dolphins officially announced a new head coach and general manager. The pair spoke about having the same ideology and wanting a team that’s tough on both sides of the ball. Head coach Jeff Hafley added, “There are certain core beliefs that I really do believe in, like running the ball and being really physical up front. So, when they know we’re going to run the ball, we’re still going to run it well.”
Last season, the Dolphins developed into one of the best running teams in football. Running back De’Von Achane had the third-best rushing season in franchise history. And yet, under former head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins were better known for their speed and finesse than their toughness. Despite this, McDaniel has garnered significant interest around the league. He’s currently expected to be hired as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers; however, a new development has seen him potentially rejoining the AFC East.
Former Miami Dolphins Head Coach is a Bills Candidate
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that Mike McDaniel is set to interview with the Buffalo Bills regarding their head coaching vacancy. The Bills job opened up recently, as the team fired head coach Sean McDermott after the loss in overtime to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs.
McDaniel is expected to take the Chargers’ offensive coordinator job under Jim Harbaugh if he does not land the Bills head coaching job. With the Dolphins, McDaniel struggled against the Bills. He went 2-7 against the Bills, including their lone playoff matchup, which nearly saw Miami pull off the upset despite missing their starting quarterback. McDaniel’s last matchup against the Bills went Miami’s way with a 30-13 win. In that game, McDaniel displayed his ability to have a tough and physical team, as De’Von Achane ran for 174 yards. Following the win, McDaniel had some fun with Bills fans in Miami as he was seen driving past them and “trolling” them at a Bills bar in Miami.
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill enjoyed the actions of his head coach, saying “I see coach back on that petty dog [s—] I love it.”
McDaniel Against the Dolphins
Despite thanking the owner and the organization for giving him his first head coaching opportunity in the NFL, McDaniel would likely enjoy seeking revenge against the Dolphins. Following his firing, McDaniel had nothing negative to say about the team; however, the same could not be said about his close childhood friend. Comedian Dan Soder, who is McDaniel’s friend, said after the firing, “I think it’s a [expletive] organization. It’s ran by [expletive] that stabbed Mike in the back after he told him he was going to be alright for another season.”
By all accounts, McDaniel was caught off guard by his firing. After the season, he told the Miami press that he was already looking into areas where he could improve the team in 2026. Tight end Darren Waller said on a podcast McDaniel had just told him he wanted him back for the upcoming season when owner Stephen Ross interrupted their meeting and abruptly fired McDaniel.
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