12 storylines shaping the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 survival season

The curated articles share a focus on the Miami Dolphins' turbulent 2025 season, marked by major changes in leadership, tough on-field challenges, and uncertainty about the team’s direction. Each article highlights how Miami’s front office moves ripple into the locker room and on the field.

Front-office turnover stands out. The Dolphins parted ways with general manager Chris Grier and then co-directors of player personnel Adam Engroff and Anthony Hunt. Tensions rise with head coach Mike McDaniel under increased pressure, but a recent winning streak cools his seat for now.

Roster decisions draw scrutiny. The trade of Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith signals either a rebuild or another attempt to compete. Miami’s offensive line struggles with players like Liam Eichenberg retaining a starting role despite past issues. Injuries to key players such as Austin Jackson and Darren Waller test the team’s depth.

On the field, the Dolphins battle inconsistency. After a poor start, they string together a couple of wins, including a rare beatdown of the Buffalo Bills. Players like rookie Jonah Savaiinaea work to improve after early struggles in pass protection. Tua Tagovailoa faces criticism about his performance and health, but also emerges as a leader intent on keeping momentum.

Miami’s playoff hopes remain alive but slim. The team needs to finish strong, facing opponents like the Saints and Jets after their bye week. The season’s outcome will likely determine the future for both McDaniel and other key decision makers.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to the runners participating in the 5k race during the 15th Dolphins Cancer Challenge at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. By SAM NAVARRO

NO. 1: KELLY: DOLPHINS AREN’T THE ONLY NFL TEAM IN SURVIVAL MODE | OPTION

Contending NFL franchises and desperate ones often conduct business differently. Allow us to explain who is who this offseason. | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) calls a play during the second half of their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. By David Santiago

NO. 2: KELLY: DECISION MAKERS HAVE DOLPHINS, TUA IN COMPROMISING POSITION

Based on what Dolphins achieved in free agency, team left a long to-do list for the 2025 NFL draft | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) and linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (6) greet fans while walking off the field after the Dolphins’ 29-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. By David Santiago

NO. 3: KELLY: TRADE JONNU SMITH AND DOLPHINS MIGHT AS WELL BE TANKING AGAIN | OPINION

Miami Dolphins would be sending the wrong message trading two of team’s top five players in one offseason. | Published June 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) celebrates his interception with teammates in the second half vs. the Las Vegas Raiders during their NFL game in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, November 17, 2024. By Al Diaz

NO. 4: COTE: DOLPHINS GAMBLE ON WALLER AFTER RAMSEY & SMITH FOR FITZPATRICK WAS NET LOSS | OPINION

Dolphins rolled dice Tuesday on tight end Darren Waller after Monday’s trade of Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh for Minkah Fitzpatrick was a net loss for Miami as the pressure builds on Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier entering the 2025 season. | Published June 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Greg Cote

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) pressures New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) just before knocking the ball out of his hands for a fumble recovery by Miami in their NFL football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, November 24, 2024. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 5: HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUNDAY’S DOLPHINS-PATRIOTS GAME

The Miami Dolphins will look to avoid an 0-2 start to the 2025 season against a familiar foe in the New England Patriots. | Published September 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel watches his team warm up before their NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. By Photo by Matias J. Ocner

NO. 6: KELLY: UNFORTUNATELY, THESE DOLPHINS HAVEN’T HIT ROCK BOTTOM YET | OPINION

You’re supposed to learn as much in the valley as you do at the peak of success. | Published October 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Jonah Savaiinaea (72) blocks New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) during the second half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla.. By PHOTO BY DAVID SANTIAGO

NO. 7: SAVAIINAEA TAKES A STEP UP, PLUS DOLPHINS TICKETS, 2026 SCHEDULE AND INJURY NEWS

After Mike McDaniel awarded game balls to the entire team following Sunday’s demolition of the Falcons, a normally subdued, circumspect Dolphins rookie walked to the center of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s visitor locker room and sprung into a loud and animated war dance and chant. | Published October 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) consoles safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) after he sustained an injury during a play against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. By Photo by Matias J. Ocner

NO. 8: KELLY: DOLPHINS NEED TO CREATE HEALTHY CULTURE IN SEASON’S FINISH | OPINION

As the 2025 season has matured, we have discovered that the Indianapolis Colts blossomed into one of the NFL’s top teams. | Published October 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

Stephen M. Ross Chairman and Managing General Partner of the Miami Dolphinsin and Tom Garfinkel Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in the bench area before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, November 9, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 9: MIAMI DOLPHINS PART WAYS WITH CO-DIRECTORS OF PLAYER PERSONNEL: REPORTS

The Miami Dolphins are not done with their internal changes. | Published November 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and General Manager Anthony "Champ" Kelly walk out of the tunnel prior to the NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, November 9, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 10: THE DOLPHINS ARE ON A TWO-GAME WINNING STREAK. IS MCDANIEL STILL ON THE HOT SEAT?

By now, every Miami Dolphins fan should know the mandate Stephen Ross gave at the end of the 2024 season. | Published November 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) records a video on the field after defeating the Buffalo Bills in their NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. By Photo by Matias J. Ocner

NO. 11: ‘KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING’: HOW THE DOLPHINS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS

The Miami Dolphins have seemingly done the impossible. | Published November 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by C. Isaiah Smalls II

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) scores as he breaks tackles by Buffalo Bills defenders in the second half of an NFL football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, November 9, 2025. By PHOTO BY AL DIAZ

NO. 12: KELLY: DOLPHINS DON’T HAVE AN ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE FOR THIS SEASON’S STRUGGLES | OPINION

The NFL bye week isn’t just a time for players to rest their bodies and get their minds off football. | Published November 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Omar Kelly

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.