Miami, Florida, January 9, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have fired head coach Mike McDaniel after a disappointing 7-10 season, extending their playoff drought to 25 years. McDaniel, who coached the team for four seasons, oversaw a decline in performance, failing to lead the Dolphins to the postseason in recent years. The team’s owner announced the decision following a detailed evaluation of the season, marking a significant leadership change as Miami searches for a new head coach and general manager to revitalize the franchise.
Miami Dolphins Fire Head Coach Mike McDaniel After Disappointing Season
Miami, Florida – The Miami Dolphins have dismissed head coach Mike McDaniel following a 7-10 season, marking the team’s second consecutive year without a playoff appearance. The decision was announced by team owner Stephen Ross on January 8, 2026, after a thorough evaluation of the season’s performance.
Season Overview
Under McDaniel’s leadership, the Dolphins concluded the 2025 NFL season with a 7-10 record. This outcome mirrored the previous year’s performance, where the team also failed to secure a playoff spot. Notably, the Dolphins’ playoff drought has now extended to 25 years, the longest active streak in the NFL without a postseason victory.
Coaching Tenure
McDaniel, 42, served as the Dolphins’ head coach for four seasons, compiling a 35-33 record. In his first two years, the team reached the playoffs but was eliminated in the first round each time. Despite early successes, the subsequent seasons saw a decline in performance, culminating in back-to-back non-playoff years.
Management Changes
In addition to the coaching change, the Dolphins parted ways with longtime general manager Chris Grier in October 2025. The team has initiated a search for a new general manager to lead the organization’s future direction. This move reflects a broader trend in the NFL, with multiple teams undergoing significant leadership changes following the conclusion of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins now face the challenge of rebuilding and reestablishing themselves as a competitive force in the league. The search for a new head coach and general manager is expected to be a pivotal step in this process, aiming to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the organization.
Recent NFL Coaching Changes
The Dolphins’ decision to part ways with McDaniel adds to a series of coaching changes across the NFL. Other teams that have recently made similar moves include:
- Baltimore Ravens: Fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, including a Super Bowl win and a 193-124 overall record.
- Arizona Cardinals: Dismissed head coach Jonathan Gannon following a 15-36 record over three years, culminating in one of the team’s worst seasons.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Let go of head coach Pete Carroll after a disappointing 3-14 season in his only year with the team.
- Cleveland Browns: Fired head coach Kevin Stefanski, who ended with a 46-58 record over six seasons, including two playoff appearances.
- Atlanta Falcons: Parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris after consecutive 8-9 seasons, despite a four-game winning streak to finish the latest season.
- New York Giants: Fired head coach Brian Daboll mid-season after a collapse in performance following his inaugural playoff season.
- Tennessee Titans: Fired head coach Brian Callahan, the first coach fired this season, with a 4-19 record and a particularly poor .174 winning percentage.
These changes reflect widespread dissatisfaction and performance-related decisions across the league, as teams seek to improve and achieve greater success in the upcoming seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Mike McDaniel fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins?
The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel after a 7-10 season in which the team missed the playoffs for the second straight year. The decision was made following a thorough evaluation of the season’s performance.
What was Mike McDaniel’s record as head coach of the Dolphins?
Mike McDaniel served as the Dolphins’ head coach for four seasons, compiling a 35-33 record. In his first two years, the team reached the playoffs but was eliminated in the first round each time. The subsequent seasons saw a decline in performance, culminating in back-to-back non-playoff years.
Who is the new general manager of the Miami Dolphins?
The Dolphins parted ways with longtime general manager Chris Grier in October 2025. The team has initiated a search for a new general manager to lead the organization’s future direction. As of now, a new general manager has not been announced.
Which other NFL teams have recently fired their head coaches?
Other NFL teams that have recently made coaching changes include the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans. Each of these teams has dismissed their head coach following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season.
Key Features of the Miami Dolphins’ Recent Coaching Change
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision Date | January 8, 2026 |
| Season Record | 7-10 |
| Playoff Status | Missed playoffs for the second consecutive year |
| Head Coach Tenure | Four seasons (2022-2025) |
| Overall Record Under McDaniel | 35-33 |
| Previous Playoff Appearances | First round exits in 2022 and 2023 |
| General Manager Status | Parted ways with Chris Grier in October 2025; search for new GM underway |
| NFL Coaching Changes | Multiple teams have recently fired their head coaches following the 2025 season |
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