Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could be facing a make-or-break season this 2025, as industry predictions point to his career with the franchise being at risk if he fails to deliver this season.
In an analysis piece byThe Athletic, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could be facing a pivotal crossroads this season, as criticism intensified over the team’s leadership and roster decisions.
McDaniel’s job security with the Miami Dolphins is under scrutiny. Despite energizing the offense and building a strong rapport with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the team’s consistent postseason struggles raise questions about their future.
With significant player departures and ongoing concerns about internal culture, a deep playoff run may be necessary for McDaniel to silence skeptics and solidify his position as the right leader for the franchise.
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks on during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks on during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Jalen Ramsey’s exit, just months after signing an extension, was also seen by analysts as a sign of deeper cracks in the team’s cohesion.
Mike McDaniel Questioned by 2x Super Bowl CB
Two-time Super Bowl champion and former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. called our Miami Dolphins head coach, Mike McDaniel, following the team’s decision to trade star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel is shown on the sideline during the first half, Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford.
Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel is shown on the sideline during the first half, Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford.
Samuel questioned the move, especially since Ramsey was still under contract and had just signed a $24 million extension in 2024.
“I guarantee Jalen Ramsey will make [the Steelers] defense a better defense,” Samuel said, via theSteelers Depot. “And the Dolphins had no reason to trade Jalen Ramsey, other than that they were sensitive. There’s no leadership in the Dolphins organization. Mike McDaniels is a pushover. Chris Greer, the general manager, has no backbone. These guys over here, the Miami Dolphins, they are running this team like a Little League team.”
Asante Samuel Sr. Thinks Steelers fleeced the Dolphins in trade: “If the Steelers’ defense was ranked 12th in total defense, with almost no production from Minkah Fitzpatrick last season, I know, and I guarantee, Jalen Ramsey will make this defense a better defense. And the…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) July 6, 2025
Despite the Dolphins reacquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick, Samuel insisted that Ramsey was the superior player and that the trade undermined the defensive potential of the Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins, Mike McDaniel
Dec 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks over his play sheet during overtime against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Samuel also argued that the real tension with McDaniel stemmed from internal problems within the Dolphins organization. He claimed that the head coach and general manager, Chris Grier, failed to convince Ramsey of the team’s championship aspirations, which ultimately pushed him to seek a future with the Steelers.
He also described McDaniel as a “pushover” and Grier as “lacking the backbone,” ultimately claiming that “there is no leadership” in the Dolphins right now.
Mike McDaniel has been the head coach of the Miami Dolphins for three seasons so far, starting in 2022.
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