Nine weeks. That’s how long it took for the Miami Dolphins to recognize something painfully obvious to virtually everyone watching. After starting the season 2-7, the team finally made a major shakeup of its foundation. However, rather than the usual candidates of head coaches and quarterbacks, their focus fell on the general manager.
After spending almost the entire 21st century with the organization, with the past nine years in the GM chair, the organization decided to relieve Chris Grier from his duties. With the trade deadline less than a week away, it was a turbulent time to make that choice. However, recommendations are already flowing in for the team’s next head coach, with the most recent entry being Lane Kiffin.
Should the Dolphins Target Lane Kiffin as Mike McDaniel’s Replacement?
Starting as a scout for the team in 2000, Grier gradually advanced through the ranks with the Dolphins before assuming the role of general manager in 2016, a position he held until his recent firing.
During that timeframe, he made a plethora of changes to the organization’s structure, both from a roster and management perspective. Unfortunately, his moves did not lead to significant success for the franchise.
In his 10 years as GM, the Dolphins made the playoffs on three separate occasions, but could not register a single win. As a result, change felt imminent. But immediately afterwards, Miami needs someone new to take the reins.
According to Colin Cowherd, their focus should be on the head coaching job rather than the general manager. “Go hire Lane Kiffin. Everything about Miami is empty calories,” he began his spiel.
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Pointing to the final score they had in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens, he showcased how both teams had virtually identical time of possession (31:43 vs. 28:17), yards (338 vs. 332), and first downs (18 vs. 17) in the game, despite losing 28-6.
“They got no alpha, they got no culture. Mike McDaniel is a great offensive coach.” But he still believed Kiffin would be a better choice. “Here’s why you go hire Lane Kiffin. Number one offense in college football for the last several years.”
Based on PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, Miami has the 22nd-ranked offense in the league, and the 30th-ranked defense based on PFSN’s Defense Impact metric.
Moreover, he is the man responsible for recruiting most of the quarterbacks who could become first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, as many projections believe. “Nobody knows the SEC quarterbacks better than the current best offensive coach.”
As a result, Cowherd believes hiring Kiffin gives them the best of both worlds. “You get all the Mike McDaniel innovation, but you get an alpha. He played the position, he’s a guy’s guy. He’s got an attitude. That’s what Miami lacks.”
The Ole Miss head coach since 2020, Kiffin, has been revolutionary for the program. But a call from an NFL franchise could sway him to leave the comfort of the collegiate landscape and make a major shift.
