Mike McDaniel Expected Back in 2026, But Dolphins Face a Quarterback Crossroads
As the Miami Dolphins close out a disappointing 2025 campaign, the focus isn’t on their win-loss record - it’s on what comes next. And while the playoffs are once again out of reach, the Dolphins have reportedly made one thing clear: head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to return for the 2026 season.
That decision might surprise those who watched Miami’s season sputter down the stretch, especially given how hot McDaniel’s seat was entering the year. At the start of 2025, he was widely considered one of the most vulnerable coaches in the league.
Many believed his tenure could end by midseason. But throughout the noise, the one voice that truly mattered - Dolphins owner Stephen Ross - remained silent.
And now, it appears Ross is sticking with his coach.
McDaniel Staying, But Tua’s Future in Doubt
While McDaniel seems to have job security, the same can’t be said for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Reports indicate the Dolphins are preparing to move on from the former first-round pick, whose inconsistent play has been a focal point of Miami’s offensive struggles.
The team’s decision to name rookie Quinn Ewers the starter immediately after their playoff elimination only fueled speculation. It wasn’t just a benching - it was a signal. The Dolphins are turning the page at quarterback, and Tagovailoa’s time in Miami may be nearing its end.
Why McDaniel Gets Another Shot
So why is McDaniel getting a pass after back-to-back seasons without a playoff berth? It starts with the roster he was handed.
Former GM Chris Grier left behind a team that, by most accounts, wasn’t built to win now. The offensive line had holes, the defense lacked depth, and the quarterback play was erratic at best.
McDaniel may not have had a perfect year, but he wasn’t exactly set up for success either.
Since Grier’s departure, the Dolphins have shown signs of life. But the early-season damage was done. Miami dug itself into a hole too deep to climb out of, and despite some late-season flashes, the team never found enough consistency to make a real playoff push.
Week 15’s loss in Pittsburgh was a low point - a flat performance in a must-win game that had many wondering if Ross might finally pull the plug on McDaniel. But instead of turning on his coach, the attention shifted to the quarterback position. And that’s where Miami’s future now hinges.
The Quarterback Question Looms Large
With McDaniel staying, the Dolphins are betting that a new quarterback could be the missing piece. But that also raises the stakes. If Miami doesn’t get the next move right - whether it’s Ewers, a veteran, or a draft pick - the excuses that have shielded McDaniel this year won’t hold up in 2026.
This offseason becomes a defining moment for the franchise. Find the right quarterback, and McDaniel could finally get the chance to show what his offense can really do. Miss again, and the Dolphins could be back in the same spot a year from now - searching for answers and wondering what went wrong.
For now, McDaniel survives. But the margin for error is shrinking.