Miami Dolphins Fire Head Coach Mike McDaniel

Miami Dolphins Shock With McDaniel Firing

The announcement by the team may have come as a surprise to many fans, with McDaniel’s post-season press conference earlier this week suggesting that he was likely to remain as head coach for the 2026 season.

McDaniel himself even commented that he would be involved in the team’s search for a new GM, but that proved to be incorrect after the list of interviewees was announced alongside reports of the people who would be participating in the interview process – including ESPN analyst Troy Aikman.

While the Miami Dolphins had slipped to a disappointing 7-10 record, results had improved after the departure of GM Chris Grier ahead of this season’s trade deadline.

With the team unlikely to turn things around immediately, with Tua Tagovailoa’s contract still hanging over the team’s cap, 2026 looked set to be more of a transition season, which further strengthened McDaniel’s case for remaining in place.

However, owner Stephen Ross has made the decision that a serious overhaul needs to be made within the organization, which could lead to a completely new-look team for the 2026 season and beyond.

McDaniel leaves the Dolphins with a 35-33 record in the regular season and a 0-2 record in the playoffs.

John Harbaugh to the Miami Dolphins?

One factor that appears likely to have had a genuine impact is the availability of Super Bowl-winning John Harbaugh, who was relieved of his duties by the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons in charge.

The Dolphins have flirted with the Harbaugh family previously, with interest in Jim Harbaugh widely reported, despite the team still having an incumbent head coach in place.

This time, Ross has decided to do things properly and seemingly seek out John Harbaugh with a completely open position on offer, potentially strengthening the Dolphins’ chances of landing him as Mike McDaniel’s successor.

Los Angeles Chargers assistant general manager Chad Alexander is one of the final four candidates for the Dolphins’ job, and he has a long history of working with Harbaugh during his time in Baltimore.

If the Dolphins bring in Alexander, it could be another thing that entices Harbaugh to take his talents to South Florida and work at building a new legacy with a different team in the NFL.