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AFC East Team Predicted to Fire Head Coach Amid Quarterback Struggles

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 3:35 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel opened their 2025 season against the Indianapolis Colts. It was set to be a close game, with ESPN BET placing the Colts as just 1.5-point favorites.

However, it's been anything but competitive, with Indianapolis leading the game 23-0 at the start of the fourth quarter. Much of the blame has fallen on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

By the start of the fourth quarter, he'd completed just 12-of-18 passes for 87 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. He also lost one fumble.

The poor performance drew a reaction from Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, who predicted that if Tagovailoa doesn't improve, it would mean the end of McDaniel's tenure in Miami.

"Tua keeps playing like this. He’ll get himself benched and his hd coach fired. #FinsColts #NFLSunday," Sharpe said via X.

Tua keeps playing like this. He’ll get himself benched and his hd coach fired. #FinsColts #NFLSunday.
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 7, 2025

That doesn't come as a major surprise, though, because McDaniel has been viewed as someone who could be on the chopping block.

"There is a feeling in Miami that if they don’t reach the playoffs this year, and maybe even win a game in January, that both McDaniel and GM Chris Grier will be out amid a big housecleaning," wrote Fox Sports Ralph Vacchiano.

In his first three seasons with the Dolphins, he's led them to two playoff appearances, but never an AFC East title. 2024 was his lowest point, leading them to an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs.

If Miami were to move on from McDaniel, it would be its first time dismissing a head coach since Brian Flores following the 2021 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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