On Thursday morning, the NFL world woke up to the news that the Miami Dolphins had fired head coach Mike McDaniel.
McDaniel was on the hot seat for some time, but looked poise to keep his job. Well, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross decided it was time for a change. After Ross issued a statement on firing McDaniel, the NFL world reacted to the news.
What Did NFL World Say About Miami Firing HC Mike McDaniel?
In four seasons as the Dolphins’ head coach, McDaniel put together a 35-33 record. He led Miami to two NFL playoff games, both of which were losses. The Dolphins finished 7-10 in the 2025 NFL season, and Ross wasn’t happy with those results.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, along with other media outlets, had the news about McDaniel’s firing on Thursday morning.
ESPN Sources: Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross met with McDaniel this week to discuss the season. After that meeting and reflection, Ross decided to move on. pic.twitter.com/tp9TnpGQ1l
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2026
Longtime Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson said that McDaniel was surprised by Ross’ move. “McDaniel was informed this morning,” Jackson wrote in a post on X. “This was a shock to Mike; his camp fully expected him to be retained. Ross decided to make the change after assessing situation in aftermath of meeting with McDaniel.”
Kevin Clark of the “This is Football with Kevin Clark” podcast had high praise for McDaniel: “Mike McDaniel is the best OC to be available in many, many years. Blank check territory if you have a decent QB.”
Mike McDaniel is the best OC to be available in many, many years. Blank check territory if you have a decent QB.
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) January 8, 2026
Ian Hartitz of “The Fantasy Life Show” believes McDaniel could be a great addition to another AFC team. Hartitz wrote on X, “Let’s add Mike McDaniel to this Chiefs offense and see what happens”. According to the PFSN NFL Offense Impact Metric, Miami had an impact score of 73.1 and was graded a C.
But NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport posted on X on Thursday morning that McDaniel has now become a top candidate for offensive coordinator roles in the NFL. Rapoport wrote, “Should be noted that Mike McDaniel now looms as a top-notch OC candidate, rising to the top of anyone’s list.”
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Brenden Deeg, who is an NFL News Editor for theScore, tossed out another possible landing spot for McDaniel: The Philadelphia Eagles. Deeg wrote, “If the Eagles ultimately fire Kevin Patullo, Mike McDaniel should 100% be their first choice to replace him.”
Five Reasons Sports, which regularly covers the Miami sports scene, sees the Dolphins’ situation as a major reboot.
“So, since the start of last season, Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel are out… and we are unlikely to see Tua and Tyreek Hill in a Dolphins uniform again,” according to Five Reasons Sports. “It’s a total reboot…. with the coordinators pending.”
Ross will now head out and look for a new head coach. As for McDaniel, he’ll go and try to find a new job in the NFL.