Mike McDaniel Brushes Off Job Security Talk, Keeps Focus on Dolphins’ On-Field Fixes
After a rough 45-21 loss to the Bengals on Sunday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel once again found himself fielding questions about his future in Miami. But this time, the conversation came with a twist - and a report.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier in the day that McDaniel is expected to return as the Dolphins’ head coach in 2026, despite the team’s recent struggles. So when McDaniel stepped to the podium postgame, it didn’t take long for someone to ask if that message had been delivered to him directly.
McDaniel, in true McDaniel fashion, didn’t bite on the speculation. Instead, he doubled down on what he’s been preaching all season: focus on the now.
“Yeah, I think like I’ve said before, the focus for me as a head coach, as you guys can see, there is plenty to focus on that I don’t spend my time thinking about the job I already have,” McDaniel said. “I try to do it to the best of my ability.
I have some work to do to get our third quarters right, and we’re not going to have any time to waste because there will be a hungry Tampa team that we’re going to face in a week. My focus is there.
I think everyone depends on me to have my focus there and that’s where I’ll leave it.”
That’s a coach who knows the noise is out there - but isn’t letting it into the building.
And to be fair, there’s plenty to fix on the field. Sunday’s loss wasn’t just another tally in the “L” column - it was Miami’s first game since benching quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a move that signals more than just a shake-up under center. It’s a pivot point for a franchise that entered the season with playoff expectations and now has big questions to answer heading into the offseason.
The quarterback situation looms large. Whether Tua’s benching is permanent or not, the Dolphins will have to make a long-term decision at the position - and it’s one that could define McDaniel’s tenure.
If he’s part of the brain trust making that call, it’s not just about 2026. It could determine whether he’s still in Miami in 2027 and beyond.
For now, McDaniel isn’t entertaining the what-ifs. He’s focused on correcting issues that have plagued his team all season, especially coming out of halftime - an area he specifically pointed to as needing immediate attention. And with a matchup against a motivated Buccaneers squad on the horizon, there’s no time for distractions.
So while the headlines may swirl about job security and quarterback controversies, McDaniel is keeping his eyes on the field - and on the fixes that need to happen fast. Because in the NFL, the next game always comes quicker than you think.