Is Mike McDaniel fired? Inside the Miami Dolphins’ coaching crisis

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is not fired, yet. But his job security has never looked shakier. After an 0-2 start to the 2025 season, fan frustration has boiled over. “Fire Grier. Fire McDaniel” banners have flown over Hard Rock Stadium, and speculation swirls that a Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills could end his tenure.

McDaniel, who once captivated the NFL with his quirky personality and creative offense, now finds himself on the hot seat, alongside longtime general manager Chris Grier. Both men are being blamed for Miami’s stagnant culture and alarming lack of progress.

Dolphins’ Ugly Start: Winless and Embarrassed

The Dolphins have stumbled out of the gate, blowing leads and showing little discipline. Week 1 ended with a special teams collapse, while Week 2 featured turnovers and another late-game meltdown.

The defense has been historically poor, allowing points on their first 10 consecutive defensive possessions, a streak unmatched in the NFL since 2000. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has thrown three interceptions, and Miami sits at a league-worst minus-4 turnover differential.

Heading into Week 3 against Buffalo, a team led by Josh Allen, who holds a 13-2 record against Miami, the outlook is grim.

The Culture Problem: “Soft” Dolphins

Perhaps the most damaging label Miami carries is that of being “soft.” Former Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott blasted the team in 2024 as “not mentally tough,” while linebacker Jordyn Brooks criticized the squad for missing 20 tackles in freezing conditions last Thanksgiving.

Even players in the locker room have questioned accountability, pointing to issues with fines, punctuality, and buy-in. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been linked to trade rumors, and star defenders like Jalen Ramsey were shipped out after clashing with the organization.

For a franchise that preaches culture change every offseason, the cracks are widening.

McDaniel’s Shine Wears Off

When Miami hired McDaniel in 2022, he was billed as an offensive genius from the Shanahan coaching tree. Early flashes, like comeback wins against the Ravens and Belichick’s Patriots, offered hope. But since then, he’s gone 8-14, including a playoff loss.

Against winning teams, his record is 3-15, and against Buffalo he is 0-6 in his last six games. Though Miami reached the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, the drought of postseason victories now stretches to 24 years, the longest in the NFL.

The narrative has shifted: from unicorn hire to coach in crisis.

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Chris Grier Also on the Hot Seat

If McDaniel is in trouble, so is GM Chris Grier, whose tenure since 2016 is marred by questionable draft picks, failed trades, and costly cap mismanagement. From drafting Tua Tagovailoa over Justin Herbert, to trading for Josh Rosen, to losing homegrown talent while overspending on underperformers, Grier’s résumé is under fire.

Fan backlash has reached new heights, with organized protests and public calls for a full reset at both head coach and GM.

What’s Next for Miami?

For now, McDaniel insists he’s focused only on coaching:

“If I worry about my job security, I won’t be doing my job. I’ve never felt entitled to this position.”

Still, with primetime humiliation looming against Buffalo and growing unrest among fans and players, the question lingers: is Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins career on borrowed time?

FAQ

Q1: Is Mike McDaniel fired?

A1: No, Mike McDaniel has not been fired. However, after Miami’s 0-2 start and growing fan unrest, his job is under serious threat. A loss to Buffalo in Week 3 could push ownership to make a change.

Q2: Why is Mike McDaniel on the hot seat?

A2: McDaniel is under pressure due to Miami’s winless start, defensive collapse, cultural issues in the locker room, and a 24-year playoff win drought. Fans are also frustrated by his 8-14 record since mid-2023.

Q3: Are the Dolphins fans calling for McDaniel’s firing?

A3: Yes. Fans organized a GoFundMe campaign to fly a “Fire Grier. Fire McDaniel” banner over Hard Rock Stadium, signaling frustration with both the head coach and GM Chris Grier.

Q4: What is Chris Grier’s role in the Dolphins’ struggles?

A4: As GM since 2016, Grier has been criticized for poor drafting, cap mismanagement, costly trades, and letting key players walk. His future, like McDaniel’s, is very much uncertain.

Q5: Why are the Dolphins labeled “soft”?

A5: Former players and current teammates have questioned Miami’s mental toughness, citing poor tackling, struggles in cold weather, and a lack of accountability. The label has stuck despite offseason promises of culture change.

Q6: What is Mike McDaniel’s record as Dolphins coach?

A6: McDaniel has a 28-25 regular season record since being hired in 2022. He is 3-15 against winning teams and 0-6 in his last six games against Buffalo. Miami has not won a playoff game under him.

Q7: When was the last time the Dolphins won a playoff game?

A7: Miami’s last playoff win was on December 30, 2000. Since then, they’ve made only five postseason appearances and hold the NFL’s longest playoff win drought.

Q8: Could the Dolphins fire both McDaniel and Chris Grier?

A8: Yes. Both are under intense scrutiny. Ownership could decide to reset leadership entirely if the team continues its downward spiral in 2025.