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Dolphins Dismiss Coach McDaniel After Playoff Loss

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 2:31 GMT by Palm Beach Post

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL - January 9, 2026 - The Miami Dolphins have officially entered a new chapter, announcing the dismissal of head coach Mike McDaniel following a first-round playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The decision, made public yesterday, signals a clear shift in direction for a franchise determined to break through and contend for a Super Bowl championship.

The move, while not entirely unexpected given the team's underperformance in the playoffs, still sent ripples through the NFL. Miami finished the 2025 regular season with a respectable 11-6 record, securing a playoff berth. However, the decisive 31-17 defeat at the hands of the Chiefs exposed vulnerabilities and a perceived inability to adapt when facing elite competition.

Owner Stephen Ross, in a released statement, emphasized the organization's unwavering commitment to winning. "After careful consideration, we have decided to move in a different direction at head coach," Ross stated. "Mike is a good coach, and we appreciate his efforts. However, we felt it was time for a change to help us reach our ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl." This strong wording underscores the heightened expectations surrounding the Dolphins, a team with a passionate fanbase and significant investment in talent.

The primary reasons cited for McDaniel's departure center around offensive consistency and in-game adjustments. While the Dolphins' offense, spearheaded by dynamic quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a stable of exciting receivers, showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, it frequently stalled against tougher defenses. Critics pointed to a reliance on short passing and a lack of a robust running game as consistent weaknesses. The inability to effectively counter opposing defensive schemes during critical moments of the Chiefs game proved to be the final straw.

McDaniel, who took the reins in 2022, compiled a 20-18 overall record with Miami. He is credited with revitalizing the offense and fostering a positive team culture. However, playoff success remained elusive. The Dolphins had enjoyed periods of promise under McDaniel's leadership, including a near playoff berth in 2023, but ultimately couldn't translate regular-season success to the postseason.

What's Next for Miami? The immediate focus now shifts to identifying and securing a new head coach. The Dolphins are expected to cast a wide net, considering both offensive and defensive-minded candidates. Several names are already surfacing in speculation, including currently successful coordinators from around the league. Defensive coordinator candidates with proven track records of building stout defenses are rumored to be particularly appealing to Ross, who has prioritized a more balanced approach to the game.

Observers anticipate a robust coaching search. The Dolphins possess a talented roster - including Tagovailoa, wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, and a promising young defense - making the position highly attractive. The new coach will be tasked with maximizing the potential of these players and building a sustainable winning culture.

Beyond the head coaching search, the Dolphins also face critical decisions regarding their assistant coaching staff and free agency. Key defensive players are set to become free agents, and the team will need to determine whether to re-sign them or pursue upgrades through the draft and free agency. The offensive line, a consistent area of concern, will also likely be a focal point of offseason improvements.

The pressure is now firmly on the Dolphins' front office to deliver a coach who can elevate the team to Super Bowl contention. The AFC is increasingly competitive, with teams like the Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens consistently vying for playoff spots. The Dolphins must find the right leader to navigate this challenging landscape and fulfill the organization's championship aspirations. The next few months will be pivotal in shaping the future of the Miami Dolphins.