Dolphins Being Proven Right for Cutting Ties with Mike McDaniel

When the Miami Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel to be their head coach back in 2022 season, many felt that he would be the guy to right the ship. He was viewed as a brilliant offensive mind who was expected to turn the offense into a juggernaut.

There were signs of that potential in moments. However, there was a lot more frustration.

McDaniel ended up coaching the Dolphins for four seasons. He was able to compile a 35-33 regular season record and lost both of his playoff appearances. Miami was never close to being a true Super Bowl contender during his tenure.

Following the 2025 NFL season, it was clear that the Dolphins were ready for change. They cleaned out the front office, cut ties with McDaniel, and moved on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

To replace those three, Miami went Green Bay heavy. The Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan to be their general manager, Jeff Hafley to be their head coach, and signed Malik Willis to be their new quarterback. Even though the team has a 1-6 record through seven weeks, the decisions are being proven right by the day.

Where did McDaniel end up landing following his departure from Miami? He signed on with Jim Harbaugh to be the new offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.

How have things been going, you ask? Not well at all.

Currently, the Chargers hold an 0-7 record. A new statistic has also been shared that shows just how bad McDaniel's offense has been in Los Angeles.

According to SiriusXM host Tom Byrne, the Chargers have gone 27 straight drives without a touchdown under McDaniel's leadership. The last NFL offense to go longer was the Dolphins, under McDaniel.

For a coach who has been viewed as an "offensive genius," the title doesn't seem to be fitting well anymore.

That isn't to say that McDaniel is a horrible coach. There is such a thing as bad luck. But, the stale feeling in Miami under McDaniel demanded change.

Seeing how things have gone for the former head coach in Los Angeles has been a clear sign that the Dolphins made the right choice.

Hafley still has a long way to go to prove that he's the right long-term fit as head coach in Miami. However, the team has played hard under him and his personality has fit in well.

Hopefully, the Dolphins will be able to continue growing and developing under new leadership. At the very least, Miami fans no longer have to watch the brutal offensive showing that had become normal.