The Miami Dolphins could learn a thing or two from Mike Vrabel’s approach to discipline, as they look to tighten the ship under the leadership of Mike McDaniel. Vrabel, recently appointed as head coach of the New England Patriots, has brought a no-nonsense attitude back to his old stomping grounds.
It’s no wonder some Dolphins fans dreamed of bringing him to Miami, especially with whispers of McDaniel’s potential departure echoing after the 2024 season. Yet, that wasn’t in the cards, and McDaniel remains at the helm.
McDaniel, known for his connection with the players, has acknowledged some cracks in the team’s foundation when it comes to discipline. Despite trying financial penalties to get things in order, players continued to arrive late to meetings, and self-control seemed absent on the field, especially in the form of presnap penalties. It’s a clear sign that while being a player’s coach has its merits, McDaniel must embrace the more demanding side of head coaching if he aims to extend his tenure beyond just another year.
Vrabel’s blueprint for discipline is remarkably straightforward: be punctual or communicate if you can’t be, keep distractions like cell phones at bay, and maintain a respectful appearance during meetings. These seemingly simple rules carry an important undertone – establishing who’s in charge and maintaining a professional environment. It’s an approach that McDaniel could consider echoing when addressing his squad.
In fact, it seems McDaniel has already started sowing the seeds of discipline, having a private discussion with star receiver Tyreek Hill after a Week 18 incident. Both sides indicated they were aligned moving forward.
Yet, this is not the first instance where the spotlight has been on the Dolphins’ culture. Former player DeShon Elliott voiced concerns over the team’s focus, or the lack thereof, after leaving in free agency.
The narrative of a lackadaisical environment was echoed by Calais Campbell, who purportedly joined because of the Dolphins’ reputation for “easy” camps, and by Jordyn Brooks, who labeled the team as “soft” following a loss to Green Bay last year.
The culture of a team is often a reflection of its head coach, and it’s clear McDaniel faces the challenge of reshaping the Dolphins’ identity. The buffer may have been let out a bit too much, but re-establishing stern discipline might just be the lifeline McDaniel needs to turn things around. Balancing camaraderie with accountability could prove crucial for his coaching journey – and ultimately, for the future success of the Dolphins.