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Mike McDaniel Makes Unfortunate List Ahead of 2025 NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Daniel Arwas | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 3:25 AM ET

Mike McDaniel's tenure as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins has been more intriguing than anything else. Under his guidance, the team has optimized the use of speed on offense, and there is no doubt that the former 49ers offensive coordinator has gotten the most out of both quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, and star receiver, Tyreek Hill.

But it could be perhaps a stretch to call the entirety of his current three-year tenure a pure success from a results standpoint: the team has a combined 28-23 record (.549), two playoff berths and no postseason wins.

And that last point - no playoff victories - could be the tipping point regarding McDaniels' future, according to Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker, who labelled the Dolphins head coach as one of the top 10 on the 'hot seat' coming into 2025.

"McDaniel has amassed a 28-23 mark in South Beach," Locker writes, "but his two trips to the playoffs have yielded zero wins, with the most recent appearance a 19-point loss to the Chiefs. Questions about Miami’s play down the stretch (7-13 record from Week 13 onward) and in cold weather have continued to loom."

"...If a new-look Miami squad makes the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, it would increase McDaniel’s odds of sticking around in 2025. But unless the former 49ers offensive coordinator can finally win a game in late January, his days with the organization seem numbered."

Miami has certainly struggled in cold weather, leading to multiple allegations that the South Florida team is "soft" compared to other more rugged, northern franchises who regularly play in sub-freezing temperatures.

McDaniel is evidently a good coach and a next-level offensive schemer and play-caller. But results are results, and if the team is unable to take the next step in 2025 - or worse, they regress - owner, Stephen Ross may have to start thinking about a move in a different direction.

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

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