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Legendary College Coach Tabbed as Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel Replacement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins face a stormy 2025 season after trading Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, a move signaling deeper issues. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s future uncertain and head coach Mike McDaniel under fire, the franchise teeters on the edge of a reset.

Miami’s confidence in Tagovailoa appears to waver after his injury-plagued 2024 campaign. The quarterback has suffered four documented concussions in his football career, with three occurring during his NFL tenure and one during his college career at Alabama.

It is quite likely that Miami doesn't have the same confidence they had in him a couple of years ago. Especially given the team’s refusal to restructure his contract for $19 million in cap space. This hesitation raises questions about Tagovailoa’s long-term role.

McDaniel, once hailed as a genius, now faces intense scrutiny with doubts about his adaptability. “All of those now put a tremendous amount of pressure on McDaniel,” CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan observed, highlighting his first sub-.500 season and playoff miss. A rebound is critical to secure his job.

Speculation swirls about a bold coaching change. ESPN’s Paul Finebaum suggested legendary coach Nick Saban, who lives near Miami, as a potential replacement: “Go down to Miami, shake that system up." Greg McElroy fueled the rumor, noting Saban’s inner circle believes he might coach again.

The Dolphins’ 2025 schedule offers some early winnable games, but their success hinges on Tagovailoa’s health and McDaniel’s adaptability. With roster changes like trading Jalen Ramsey and acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick, Miami’s path is fraught with challenges. Can they defy the odds, or will a franchise reset loom? Stick around to see if Miami’s stars align, or we get to watch the destructive Supernova.

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

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