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Mike McDaniel addresses Troy Aikman’s past criticism of him

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 4:44 PM ET

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel faced questions Friday about whether he has any concerns about Troy Aikman helping with the team’s general manager search.

McDaniel was asked if he had cleared the air with Aikman over the broadcaster’s comments during Miami’s Week 15 loss to Pittsburgh. At the time, Aikman was highly critical of how McDaniel managed the fourth quarter of that defeat, calling it “ridiculous.”

Troy Aikman: "I'm flabbergasted by what we've witnessed here in this fourth quarter with the Dolphins. And now they want to call timeouts. It just is about as ridiculous a fourth quarter as I've seen in a long time." ️#NFL #MNF https://t.co/UCAKUYXR97 pic.twitter.com/YDYIdhYtgk
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 16, 2025

On Friday, McDaniel did not sweat the comments.

“So you’re telling me he didn’t like us not scoring points and taking up too much time? Neither did I,” McDaniel quipped. “That was not the intent. He’s doing his job. When I signed up for this job, it was inherent that results would dictate all narratives regardless of if something was good, bad, or whatever. It doesn’t bother me in the least. It would be funny if it did.”

Asked Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel about Troy Aikman’s criticism on the MNF broadcast of the game against the Steelers.

( Miami Dolphins) pic.twitter.com/2Q0yHuve85
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) January 2, 2026

Aikman’s new role with the Dolphins seems temporary and does not necessarily mean he and McDaniel will really be working together. Considering McDaniel’s job might not be completely secure, however, some wondered if this might wind up being bad news for the head coach.

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.

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

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