Dolphins' Mike McDaniel decision reportedly could come down to this

The uncertain future of Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel continues to be a massive topic hovering over the organization after the Dolphins and general manager Chris Grier "mutually" agreed to part ways on Oct. 31.

Shortly after the Dolphins entered their Week 12 bye at 4-7, a report revealed that "there's a plausible scenario where" McDaniel remains with the organization through the upcoming offseason. For a piece published on Wednesday, ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano offered an update on the McDaniel-Dolphins relationship. 

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"There's a strong sense from people I've talked to that team owner Stephen Ross likes and believes in McDaniel and would like to see him succeed," Graziano shared. "It could come down to the way the Dolphins finish the season and the decision about who the next GM is in Miami. But it is not out of the question that McDaniel continues to coach the Dolphins in 2026."

Numerous reports from the spring and summer mentioned that McDaniel was likely on the hot seat after he failed to lead the Dolphins to a playoff win in his first three seasons in charge. That was before Miami lost six of seven games to open the ongoing campaign and before the Dolphins suffered a humiliating 31-6 Week 7 defeat at a Cleveland Browns side that is currently 3-8.

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"The Dolphins are 3-1 since that 1-6 start, and the players there clearly haven't given up on Mike McDaniel," Graziano added. Graziano also pointed out that Miami has "winnable games" on the schedule over the next month. 

The Dolphins host the New Orleans Saints (2-9) this coming Sunday. Miami then plays at the lowly New York Jets (2-9) on Dec. 7. In Week 15, Miami will play at the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5). The following week, the Dolphins will welcome the Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) to Hard Rock Stadium. 

As of Wednesday morning, ESPN BET had the Dolphins as six-point favorites over the Saints. McDaniel's players could make a big statement regarding his job status by earning a double-digit victory over a lackluster New Orleans side.