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Mike McDaniel Makes Decision on Dolphins Coaching Staff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins are shaking things up for 2025, promoting Chandler Henley to run game specialist to ignite their struggling ground game.

After a lackluster 8-9 season, head coach Mike McDaniel is banking on his Yale buddy to bring balance. Henley’s promotion signals a bold shift for a team craving playoff redemption. Henley, a Yale graduate, joined Miami in 2022 as assistant quarterbacks coach, aiding Tua Tagovailoa’s Pro Bowl season in 2023.

He was elevated to senior offensive assistant in 2024 and helped Tagovailoa set a franchise record with a 72.9% completion rate. Now, as run game specialist, he’s tasked with reviving a rushing attack that ranked a lowly 18th last season.

The Henley-McDaniel connection runs deep, forged as Yale teammates playing receiver. Their shared history fuels a dynamic synergy, with Henley’s keen football mind complementing McDaniel’s innovative schemes.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported Henley’s promotion, noting his 14-year coaching journey from sales to the NFL.

Before Miami, Henley honed his craft with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021 as assistant offensive line coach, protecting Matt Ryan. From 2018-2020, he was a quality control coach with the Tennessee Titans, where the team ranked second in rushing yards. This experience makes Henley a prime fit to boost Miami’s run game.

Can Henley and McDaniel’s Yale-born chemistry spark a Dolphins resurgence? With new offensive linemen like Jonah Savaiinaea and Patrick Paul, the stage is set. Fans are eager to see if Henley’s promotion delivers the ground-and-pound punch Miami needs in 2025.

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

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