The Miami Dolphins have secured their head coach Mike McDaniel for the foreseeable future, confirming an extension of his contract through the 2028 NFL season, as reported by CBS Sports’ lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones. Specific details of the new contract have not been revealed.
Since his hiring in 2022, McDaniel, who previously spent five impactful years with the San Francisco 49ers, has led the Dolphins to a commendable 20-14 record over two seasons. Under his guidance, Miami reached the playoffs in both years—achievements that marked the team’s first consecutive playoff appearances since the 2000-2001 seasons.
The commitment to McDaniel comes in light of his notable success in transforming the Dolphins’ offense into one of the most dynamic and thrilling units in the league. In his tenure, Miami ranked sixth in total yards in 2022 and jumped to first in 2023, with their scoring jumping to second in the league from eleventh the previous year. This offensive prowess, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and featuring explosive players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, and De’Von Achane, tends to make Dolphins games electrifying, characterized by frequent and high-impact plays.
Despite these impressive yardage and point totals, Miami’s postseason pursuits have been stunted by injuries, particularly affecting the offensive and defensive lines. This limitation was notably evident in their last playoff endeavor, where they generated only seven points in a loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, tangible issues such as diminished rushing capabilities highlighted the team’s late-season one-dimensionality.
Nevertheless, Mike McDaniel’s innovative approach and leadership have clearly resonated with the Dolphins’ management and fans alike. With key players like Tagovailoa, Hill, and Waddle locked into long-term contracts, maintaining the continuity at the coaching position reinforces the franchise’s direction and stability. While playoff success has yet to materialize, the Dolphins’ commitment to McDaniel underscores a belief in his vision and direction, hinting at promising seasons ahead as the team endeavors to build on its recent advancements.