Mike McDaniel entered the 2025 season with questions swirling about his job security, and an ugly opening week loss to the Indianapolis Colts by a 33-8 margin only amplified the noise. The Miami Dolphins head coach was already facing scrutiny despite posting a 20-14 record over his first two seasons, which included two playoff appearances and what appeared to be a bright future built around a fast-paced offense that could light up scoreboards.
However, the Dolphins took a significant step backward in 2024. Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion, the defense struggled throughout the campaign, and the offense never found its rhythm. Miami struggled to get its passing game on track, particularly in crucial short-yardage situations. These struggles could lead to McDaniel being shown the door if he can’t orchestrate a turnaround.
Who Could Replace Mike McDaniel in Miami if He Gets Fired?
There’s a healthy cohort of up-and-coming coordinators and experienced former head coaches who could step in and reset the culture in Miami should McDaniel get the heave-ho.
Mike McDaniel now has a 3-15 record against teams above .500
Inexcusable pic.twitter.com/v7MC2RLsih
— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) December 15, 2024
Could Joe Brady Transform Miami’s Offensive Identity?
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
Anyone coming from the Buffalo Bills will face immediate scrutiny for having the luxury of putting together game plans for Josh Allen, but that criticism oversimplifies Joe Brady’s impact. The Bills looked ugly in games where they relied solely on Allen to win before Brady arrived. Allen only reached MVP-caliber play after Brady built a more balanced offense around him that didn’t require the quarterback to shoulder everything. An injection of discipline from someone who works alongside Sean McDermott wouldn’t hurt Miami either.
What Other Coordinators Could Bring Fresh Ideas to South Beach?
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Here’s another coordinator who faces accusations of being spoiled because he works with Lamar Jackson, but that’s complete nonsense. Todd Monken consistently creates imaginative schemes and game plans that have masked Jackson’s lack of effective outside receivers while expertly mixing up the run-and-play action game. Any team would benefit from snagging him if he becomes available in 2025.
Dan Pitcher, Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator
The Cincinnati Bengals may struggle defensively, but Dan Pitcher keeps their offense humming. He’s armed with a collection of weapons, yet it’s not simply plug and play. While head coach Zac Taylor calls the plays, Pitcher installs the engine that Taylor drives. It would be fascinating to see what he could accomplish with a team of his own.
Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator
Kliff Kingsbury stands as the only former head coach on this list. His biggest problem during his stint with the Arizona Cardinals was that opposing teams figured out his schemes by around Week 11 each season. After stepping back and working with the Washington Commanders and rookie Jayden Daniels, Kingsbury appears to have solved how to keep his game plans from becoming predictable.
Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator
This selection admittedly represents more of an intriguing long shot than a serious consideration, though you never know how these situations develop. Shula operates under the radar despite being the grandson of former Dolphins coach Don Shula. He’s quietly worked his way up the coaching ladder without much fanfare, but he’s now a branch on the Sean McVay coaching tree. If he manages to improve the Los Angeles Rams’ defense, he could find himself receiving some serious looks from franchises seeking fresh leadership.
