Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
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(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Former Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert didn’t hold back on his thoughts regarding what led to Mike McDaniel, who is now the offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers, not having sustained success in South Florida after two playoff appearances to start his tenure.
Mostert is a player who knows McDaniel well, having spent time with him on the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2021. Afterward, the veteran running back would join the former Dolphins head coach in Miami from 2022 to 2024.
On the April 2 edition of the “4th and South” podcast, Mostert made a guest appearance and shared his thoughts on the McDaniel era with the Dolphins and the differences between the coach in San Francisco and Miami.
“I had two different Mikes,” Mostert said. “Mike in San Francisco didn’t have the role like he did when he was in Miami. So when he comes to Miami, now he gets that free rein to call his own shots, do his own thing.”
Moreover, Mostert explained why McDaniel fizzled out quickly in Miami despite having early success.
“I just felt like it was a little bit of complacency, but then also like we were also trying to make up for past times,” Mostert added. “Because, think about this, we didn’t go to the playoffs or win a playoff game in 20‑something years… I felt like there was a lack of respect just because he didn’t put any emphasis on trying to demand respect.
“There were no boundaries. If you’ve got guys that are cussing coaches out on the sideline, it’s over with. But not just one time, like numerous times, or even putting their hands on a coach. Come on, that’s different.”
Insider Shares Update on De’Von Achane’s Future in Miami
The new Dolphins regime has cut ties with key players from the McDaniel era, such as Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa. Moreover, they ended up trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. One of the holdovers from last season is De’Von Achane.
On March 18,ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, citing sources, that Teams that have recently called the Dolphins to inquire about trading for Achane havebeen told that the star running back is not available.
Amid the speculation, NBC NFL insider Mike Florio shared an update on the situation and gave his honest thoughts on the Dolphins, saying that Achane isn’t available.
“I think when the team says he’s not available, what they mean is they’re not going to trade him for any of the offers they’ve received,” Florio said during aMarch 27 appearance on 104.3 WQAM.
“This is the time of year when offers circulate for many players who ultimately aren’t traded. General managers talk constantly, so they’ve surely seen offers for De’Von Achane, but none have been strong enough. Based on what they’ve received so far, they’re not making a move.”
A De’Von Achane Trade Would Be Complicated for Dolphins
Nonetheless, while Achane’s name is in the trade speculation mill, Florio notes that a move would be complicated by the financial situation that would result if a team did make a move for the Dolphins star.
“The team has since guaranteed most of his salary for this year and already paid a large portion as a signing bonus to create cap space,” Florio added.
“That makes a trade more complicated because any team acquiring him now would only take on his minimum salary on the books, but would not assume the money Miami has already paid. In the end, the player holds the leverage.”