The Miami Dolphins have quietly clawed their way back into the playoff conversation, rattling off four straight wins after a 2-7 start to the season. It’s been a gritty turnaround, the kind that keeps hope alive in December and gives fans something to believe in. But even with that midseason surge, the long-term futures of head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remain anything but certain.
That uncertainty only grew when the Dolphins and longtime general manager Chris Grier “mutually” parted ways back on October 31. The move signaled a shift in direction at the top, and now, all eyes are on how the organization plans to shape its leadership core heading into 2026.
A New Front Office Model Emerging?
According to league insider Albert Breer, the Dolphins could be headed toward a more modern, collaborative front office structure-similar to setups already in place with the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams. In those models, a head coach, general manager, and a cap/analytics chief all report directly to ownership, forming a three-pronged leadership team.
In Miami’s case, cap specialist Brandon Shore is reportedly already stepping into a more prominent role. He’d be the Dolphins’ version of Mike Disner in Detroit or Tony Pastoors in L.A.-a behind-the-scenes architect who helps balance the books while shaping roster strategy. That would mean whoever takes over as general manager-whether it’s an outside hire or current interim Champ Kelly-would be working alongside Shore and McDaniel, rather than above or below them.
It’s a structure that gives the organization flexibility. McDaniel, who’s been a vocal supporter of Tagovailoa since arriving in 2022, would likely be given a season to prove this trio can work. Meanwhile, Tagovailoa is under contract for one more year of guaranteed money, giving Miami a built-in trial period before making any long-term decisions at quarterback.
And if it doesn’t work? The Dolphins would have the option to draft a new quarterback in 2026-or even wait for what’s shaping up to be a potentially loaded class in 2027.
Ross Not Ready to Hit Reset-Yet
Team owner Stephen Ross reportedly doesn’t want to tear things down this offseason. That tracks with the idea of giving McDaniel and Tagovailoa another year under a new GM to see if they can elevate the team to the next level. But make no mistake: the leash isn’t long.
Miami enters Week 15 trailing several teams in the AFC wild-card race, including the 6-7 Chiefs and Ravens, and the 8-5 Colts and Texans. They’re still in it, but the margin for error is razor-thin. And their next test is a tough one-a Monday Night Football showdown on the road against the 7-6 Pittsburgh Steelers, where they’re currently 3.5-point underdogs, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
This is the kind of game that could swing the season. Win, and the Dolphins stay in the thick of the playoff hunt. Lose, and the questions about the future only get louder.
Evaluating the Core-Or Preparing for a Reset?
Breer summed it up well: for any GM candidate considering the Miami job, this is a rare opportunity. You’re walking into a situation with a playoff-caliber head coach and quarterback already in place.
You get a year to evaluate both. If it works, you move forward with them.
If not, you’ve got the flexibility to reset the roster and bring in your own guys by 2027.
But that all hinges on how the Dolphins finish this season. A collapse down the stretch-say, finishing 6-11-could force Ross’ hand sooner than expected.
In that scenario, all bets are off. The team could pivot toward a full rebuild, moving on from both McDaniel and Tagovailoa in favor of a fresh start.
Right now, though, Miami’s playing meaningful football in December, and that’s not nothing. The front office may be in transition, but the players still have a shot to make noise in the AFC. And if they can keep this win streak alive, the narrative around this team-and its future-could shift dramatically in just a few weeks.