The NFL head coaching cycle took another turn on Thursday.
Two days after the Baltimore Ravens fired John Harbaugh, the Miami Dolphins decided to fire Mike McDaniel. After four seasons in Miami, Dolphins Owner and Chairman Stephen M. Ross said it is time for a “comprehensive change.”
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change. I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” Ross said in a statement.
The Miami Dolphins have relieved Head Coach Mike McDaniel of his duties. pic.twitter.com/5APbwENBU1
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 8, 2026
McDaniel, who was the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator previously, was hired in 2022 to replace Brian Flores.
McDaniel led the Dolphins to two playoff appearances in his first two seasons, both ending in a first-round loss.
However, the last two seasons have resulted in losing records, and the Dolphins finished 7-10 in 2025 despite an ugly 1-6 start.
All signs pointed to McDaniel returning in 2026, but those tides have changed just a few days after the regular season came to an end.
McDaniel finishes with a 35-33 record as Dolphins head coach, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had even linked him to the Cleveland Browns before they had moved on from Kevin Stefanski.
The Dolphins are also searching for a new GM and have narrowed down their list to four finalists, so it has been a busy week in Miami.
