Dolphins: Mike McDaniel’s job in jeopardy following five straight losses

Video Screenshot – Youtube

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel might lose his job following consecutive losses in Miami’s last five games. This season is only McDaniel’s first regular season as head coach.

According to Outkick reporter Armando Salguero, “everybody’s job is at risk” if Miami loses to the New York Jets this Sunday. Salguero said it included Dolphins general manager Chris Grier. Miami’s victory over New York will increase its chance of earning the seventh seed in the AFC.

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is considered one of the most controversial team owners in the league. He cost the team the first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after allegedly tampering with Sean Payton and Tom Brady.

He fired former head coach Brian Flores at the end of 2021 following a 24-25 record in three seasons. Flores filed a civil lawsuit against Ross and the NFL, claiming racial discrimination in the process of hiring head coaches. Ross’ past history further exacerbated rumors about McDaniel’s uncertain position in the franchise.

The Dolphins started this season’s campaign strong with an 8-3 record. They were also expected to compete for the conference title with one of the strongest offenses in the NFL — courtesy of McDaniel’s offensive-focused coaching approach.

McDaniel has managed to improve the Dolphins’ offensive stats 16 games into his first season. Miami’s current records are 24.1 points per game and 368.4 yards per game. It was higher than the overall offensive stats in the previous season — 20.1 points per game and 307 yards per game.

Dolphins QB situation

Miami, however, faltered following starting QB Tua Tagovailoa’s multiple concussions. The team got criticisms after the QB’s first injury last September for allowing Tagovailoa to return on the field immediately. Until today, Tagovailoa has not received clearance to join the Dolphins’ practice sessions.

Backup QB Teddy Bridgewater, who took over Tagovailoa’s spot, also suffered a finger injury in his throwing hand while playing the New England Patriots last week. His current status for Sunday is questionable. Experts predict that McDaniel may have to put rookie Skylar Thompson as starting QB against New York.