Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is under even more pressure following his team’s latest loss, but it sounds like team owner Stephen Ross is only going to give up on him if others do first.
The Dolphins fell to 0-3 on the season with their 31-21 Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. Before the game, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media addressed the talk of McDaniel being on the hot seat.
Rapoport said Ross “does not want to fire Mike McDaniel” and still believes in the coach. The reporter said that could change if one of two things happens — fans stop going to games or players quit on McDaniel.
“My sense is nothing is imminent for the Dolphins on that front. However, there’s a caveat,” Rapoport said. “That can change. If fans suddenly stop showing up to the stadium or if players stop playing for him, that can alter the situation.”
From The @NFLonPrime TNF pregame show: #Dolphins owner Stephen Ross plans to be patient, despite a slow start for the team and coach Mike McDaniel. pic.twitter.com/961Ko0ONZp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2025
McDaniel was hired by the Dolphins in large part because of his offensive prowess, and the team has gone in the wrong direction on that side of the ball. Tua Tagovailoa struggled again on Thursday night, finishing 22/34 for 146 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Fans gave him a brutal nickname on social media amid the latest dud performance.
There have been reports trickling out that raise questions about whether McDaniel’s players respect him, which is another bad sign for the 42-year-old coach.
The Dolphins have a stretch of games coming up that could ultimately decide McDaniel’s fate. They host the New York Jets in Week 4 before traveling to Carolina to face the Panthers in Week 5. They then host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6 and are on the road against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7.
You would have to think Ross will want to see at least two wins in that stretch. If the Dolphins can’t beat the Jets and Panthers, McDaniel might be shown the door sooner rather than later.
