NFL: Dolphins sack head coach Mike McDaniel

The National Football League (NFL) team Miami Dolphins on Thursday sacked head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons.

After a dismal start to the 2025 season with six defeats in seven games, the Dolphins dismissed general manager Chris Grier in October, and the decision on McDaniel was delayed by owner Stephen Ross until after the season.

Miami ended with a 7-10 record, which is their worst since they wrapped up the 2019 season with only five wins.

McDaniel, 42, in his first two years as a coach, posted a 35-33 record with postseason appearances in both of his outings with the team. Following this, he signed a three-year contract extension in August 2024.

McDaniel's firing marks the eighth after the conclusion of the regular season.

Ross announced his decision on Thursday in a statement.

"After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change," Ross said in a statement.

"I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward."

McDaniel issued the following statement later on Thursday.

"Coaching this team and being a part of this great franchise has been the honor of a lifetime. When I took this job, I had a vision of a team that was bonded together and played with passion and energy on the path to winning championships. I gave everything I had for that goal,” he stated.

"I am disappointed, especially for the fans, that we did not have better results on the field, but I am grateful for every coach, player, and staff member who poured themselves into that vision alongside me.

“I'm grateful to Stephen Ross for the opportunity he gave me, a little known coach at the time when he hired me. ... I love this game, the people and relationships that are a part of it, and I will forever cherish my time in Miami."

According to ESPN, the Dolphins have yet to contact former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to offer him the position, as Ross has ties to the Harbaugh family.