Two conflicting reports emerge on Dolphins coach future. Insight from McDaniel
A day after NFL Network reported that Mike McDaniel is expected to be retained as Dolphins coach, ESPN’s top insider disputed that, saying a decision has not been made.
Adam Schefter, who is believed to have a direct pipeline into high levels of the Dolphins organization, said on the Pat McAfee show:
“As for Mike McDaniel, I know people are saying he’s safe,” Schefter said. “I don’t think they’ve made any decisions there yet about his future. He might be safe, but he might not. I think that is still playing out in real time. Nothing has been decided there. We will see how that plays out over time. Nothing is decided there.”
McDaniel is 6-9 this season and has a 34-34 record in nearly four seasons, including two playoff losses. He entered this season with a 4-20 record against playoff teams and is 1-4 against teams currently in playoff position.
On Sunday, McDaniel declined to say if owner Stephen Ross has told him if he will return as coach next season.
On Monday, McDaniel was asked this: If you are indeed fighting for your job, why did you opt for a rookie quarterback over two veterans when rookies are historically more likely to lose?
“I value ... how important each and every game is to these guys’ careers,” he said. “.. [And] when I say someone gives us the best chance to win, I mean it.”
He was then asked if he discussed with Ross whether his chances of keeping his job could be impacted if he loses with Ewers. In other words, did Ross assure him that it wouldn’t be held against him if Ewers struggled and Miami was blown out?
McDaniel said there were no such discussions.
“I don’t weigh those [decisions on a starting quarterback] and decide against those because of potential ramifications or what not. That conversation would be clunky and wouldn’t even be a consideration for me.”
The Dolphins would owe Tua Tagovailoa an additional $17 million (beyond the $54 million he’s already owed for next season) if he plays again, is hurt and cannot pass a physical. He’s owed an additional $3 million if he’s on the team in mid-March.
Against the backdrop of that financial reality, McDaniel was asked why Tagovailoa - and not Zach Wilson - is the emergency third quarterback.
“I thought it was the best thing for all parties involved,” McDaniel said. “You talk about losing your starting job and the forecast of him taking less reps and throwing him out there was setting him up for failure..... It’s best for all parties.”
Ewers reaction
McDaniel, on how he thought Ewers played on Sunday as he prepares for his second start on Sunday against Tampa Bay:
“He did as much or more as anything that be reasonably expected.... You want to see if the game would not be too big for him. You want to see him hold onto the ball when the pocket allows but get rid of the ball when the pocket is coming down on you.
“He’s impressive. It really showed why guys get behind him and had such high hopes for the game is because the game is not too big for him. He gave us a chance to win.”
Ewers threw two interceptions, but McDaniel said only one was his fault: “With the exception of the interception that Quinn threw to Jaylen Waddle, I thought the [first] interception I don’t put on him. That’s a play Theo Wease has to make or you have to have a corner have [defensive pass interference].”
“The biggest thing was his consistency in the pocket being able to take advantage of the pockets that were set and firm. Couple times he waited on some stuff to develop. He has a lot of room to grow. He shows some things you can’t necessarily teach.
“One or two times, he could have gotten a completion a little earlier. We could have had the explosive on the right sideline if he hits exactly where Waddle is coming out. He showed capability of hitting all the throws he needed to make.
“He appropriately read a deeper one in 22 personnel and he was forced to read levels of the defense 30 yards away. That’s a difficult one, space and time, for guys to make a decision. He ripped it appropriately.”
▪ McDaniel said he’s not optimistic that Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) will play Sunday against visiting Tampa (1 p.m., Fox 7).
▪ McDaniel said guard James Daniels, who hasn’t played since sustaining a pectoral injury in the opener, is out for the year.
McDaniel declined to comment about whether he will be on the team next season if he has a say about it, citing his policy of not discussing 2026 while 2025 is ongoing.
Here’s a look at the Dolphins’ 2026 schedule and many notes and tidbits.
Here’s a look at where the Dolphins’ first-round pick can end up, amid late night talk linking Miami to Fernando Mendoza.
This story was originally published December 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM.
