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Dolphins Among NFL Regimes 'Under Most Pressure' This Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Woodson | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 12:00 PM ET

As the Miami Dolphins enter year four of the Mike McDaniel era, the team finds itself at a crossroads. After making the NFL Playoffs in his first two seasons, they regressed during his third year in charge.

The Dolphins went from an 11-6 record in 2023 to 8-9 in 2024, missing the postseason for the first time under McDaniel. As a result, both McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier may be at risk of losing their jobs.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports says the Dolphins are one of several teams whose leadership is under the most pressure to deliver in 2025.

He explained, "It was just last summer the Dolphins issued a $212.4 million contract to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, essentially tying the former first-rounder to Miami through at least 2026. That doesn't mean the men tasked with guiding his arm to meaningful victories are so entrenched."

He continued, "Coach Mike McDaniel helped elevate Tagovailoa from so-so to occasionally special out of the gate, but zero playoff wins going into year four isn't great, nor is his apparent struggle to toughen or adapt his team when it matters most."

Despite being on the hot seat, McDaniel and Grier have not shown signs of distress through their off-season activities. Rather than making significant changes to their roster, they have taken a more restrained approach. They have added a dozen outside free agents, focusing on quantity over quality this off-season. While a few starters may emerge from this group, most are expected to serve as depth options.

With ongoing issues on the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary, McDaniel and Grier still have substantial work to do this off-season. If they miss the postseason again in 2025, it could be their last opportunity with the Dolphins.

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

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