The Miami Dolphins appear to be leaning toward continuity at the top - at least when it comes to head coach Mike McDaniel.
According to a new report, the sentiment around the league is that McDaniel will be retained beyond this season, despite a turbulent stretch that’s tested both his roster and his resolve. League sources have reportedly said the organization “loves Mike” and recognizes that “he’s had a tough hand” in his first four seasons at the helm.
And that’s hard to dispute. Injuries, roster turnover, and inconsistency at quarterback have all played a role in Miami’s rollercoaster ride under McDaniel.
Yet through it all, the Dolphins have remained competitive - and perhaps more importantly, they’ve maintained a clear identity. That counts for something in today’s NFL, where coaching turnover is often the first move when things get rocky.
Still, the timing of this reported decision is interesting. With three games left in the regular season, there’s no immediate pressure to make a call.
But maybe the Dolphins see something worth betting on. Maybe it’s the potential of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who could use these final weeks to build momentum and show he’s ready to lead.
Maybe it’s the hope that a few wins down the stretch could flip the narrative and push this team above .500 - a feat that looked improbable just weeks ago.
And maybe, just maybe, it’s about more than wins and losses. If Miami’s young core shows growth, if the locker room stays together, and if McDaniel continues to connect with his players the way he has, that could be enough to justify another year in charge.
But there’s another layer to this: the front office.
Sources have indicated that the Dolphins may be eyeing a new structure at the general manager position. The idea? Find a true football evaluator - someone who can focus purely on roster building and talent assessment - while Brandon Shore, who’s already entrenched in the organization, handles the operational and administrative responsibilities that have become part of a modern GM’s job.
It’s a model that isn’t uncommon around the league, and it mirrors the setup Miami had with longtime personnel man Chris Grier. The key difference this time is clarity - a more defined division of labor that could, in theory, lead to better decision-making and accountability.
As for the interim GM, Champ Kelly, he’ll reportedly get a chance to make his case. But if the Dolphins are serious about overhauling their football operations, they may look outside the building for a fresh perspective.
One name that’s already come up in league circles: Philadelphia Eagles assistant GM Alec Halaby. Known for his analytical approach and sharp football mind, Halaby is viewed as one of the rising stars in front office circles. Whether he’s the right fit for Miami remains to be seen, but the idea of pairing a forward-thinking executive with a creative head coach like McDaniel is intriguing.
Of course, none of this guarantees success. But for a franchise that’s often found itself stuck in the middle - not quite rebuilding, not quite contending - a clear vision at both head coach and GM could be the first step toward long-term stability.
The Dolphins have decisions to make. But for now, it seems like they’re leaning into what they already have: a head coach who’s earned the locker room’s trust, a young quarterback with upside, and a potential front office shakeup that could reshape the franchise’s direction.
The next three games may not change everything - but they could reveal just enough to justify staying the course.