Mike McDaniel is facing an uncertain future as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, but he could land elsewhere quite quickly if he is let go.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote Wednesday that McDaniel had been viewed as likely to be retained for 2026, but that “the winds seem to have shifted a bit” recently on that possibility. Colleague Jeremy Fowler noted, however, that the Cleveland Browns would have strong interest in McDaniel if they were to part ways with Kevin Stefanski.
McDaniel previously spent one season as Cleveland’s wide receivers coach in 2014. The Browns clearly admire him, though it is no guarantee that he becomes available. The Browns have reportedly considered it, though he, too, is said to be receiving interest from elsewhere.
Reports earlier in the season suggested McDaniel was unlikely to be fired by the Dolphins despite their disappointing season. Things have not changed much since then, though it is possible other factors have influenced Miami’s thought process. The team has won five of its last seven games, though they lost consecutive games to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati recently.
McDaniel is 35-34 in his time as Miami’s head coach. The team made the playoffs under him for his first two seasons, but are missing out for the second consecutive year.
