Mike McDaniel has never shied away from speaking his mind, and at this year’s NFL owners meetings, the Dolphins head coach stayed true to form. With questions about his future in Miami, McDaniel didn’t deflect — he leaned into the heat with a quip that made it clear he knows exactly what’s at stake heading into 2025.
The pressure is real in South Florida, not just on McDaniel. With a roster loaded with talent and expectations rising fast, the leash is getting shorter. The Dolphins have flashed potential over the past few years, but consistency — and postseason success — has been hard to come by. As the clock ticks on this regime, the question isn’t whether McDaniel can handle the pressure. It’s whether he can finally deliver.
Heading into his fourth season as Dolphins head coach, McDaniel is no stranger to scrutiny, but his latest remarks at the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., turned some heads.
Mike McDaniel Faces Heat as Dolphins Enter Make-or-Break Year
McDaniel took an unexpected approach when asked about his job security, referencing Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni’s journey from the hot seat to a Super Bowl appearance.
“Nick Sirianni, I wanna be on the hot seat he was on last year,” McDaniel quipped, signaling both confidence and an understanding of the league’s volatile nature.
McDaniel, who has compiled a 28-23 record over three seasons with two playoff appearances but no wins, acknowledged the pressure that comes with the job. Still, he made it clear he embraces the challenge rather than fears it.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel, asked about job security, says “Nick Sirianni, I wanna be on the hot seat he was on last year.”
McDaniel said owner Stephen Ross has been supportive and he’s not entitled to job. “If you’re not feeling heat on your seat, you don’t have any urgency.” pic.twitter.com/MtkMc59mg7
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 31, 2025
“If you’re not feeling heat on your seat, you don’t have any urgency,” McDaniel said. He emphasized that the Dolphins’ ownership, led by Stephen Ross, has been supportive, but he doesn’t take his position for granted. “You’re not entitled to position, and ultimately, if it’s deemed that the organization would be best served with someone else, I’m more on board with that than people realize,” he added.
Dolphins Must Deliver in Year 4 as Pressure Mounts on McDaniel, Chris Grier
Despite his lighthearted remark, McDaniel knows the upcoming season is pivotal. The Dolphins finished 8-9 in 2024, missing the playoffs after a late-season collapse. That slide, along with issues in key areas like offensive line play, run-game efficiency, and defensive depth, has increased the pressure on McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier heading into their fourth season together.
Miami’s offensive output under McDaniel has been inconsistent. The Dolphins ranked sixth in total offense in 2022 and first in 2023 but dropped to 18th in 2024, prompting a C grade in PFSN Offense+ metrics. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health and the team’s ability to revive its deep passing attack will be critical in determining whether Miami can bounce back. Tua missed six games last season — four with a concussion and two with a hip injury — and finished eighth in QB+ metrics.
Looking Ahead: Can Miami Rebound?
The Dolphins have work to do to avoid another disappointing season. Key questions remain: Can they protect Tagovailoa and keep the passing game rolling? Can they fix their problems in the trenches, especially at guard and defensive tackle? Will they develop a more consistent run game to balance defenses targeting their aerial attack?
McDaniel’s fate likely hinges on how well he and the team respond. His comments suggest he’s up for the challenge, but if Miami doesn’t take a step forward in 2025, his seat may go from warm to scorching.
For now, McDaniel remains confident in his vision. Whether that confidence turns into results remains to be seen.