The Miami Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel agreed to a three-year contract extension on Friday, which runs by way of the 2028 season. Making a long-term dedication so early within the relationship could be dangerous, but it surely might pay large dividends.
Listed below are 5 the explanation why going all-in with McDaniel is an efficient transfer for the Dolphins:
Early returns level to future progress
Solely two seasons into his tenure, McDaniel turned the primary Dolphins head coach to earn back-to-back playoff berths since Dave Wannstedt in 2000 and 2001. The group has made tangible progress underneath the 41-year-old, bettering from 9-8 in 2022 to 11-6 final season, and behind his revolutionary offense, the unit jumped from sixth within the NFL in 2022 to first final season.
Committing to McDaniel gives safety at HC for the primary time in a long time
Locking up McDaniel for the foreseeable future probably affords the Dolphins continuity one thing they have been looking for because the early 2000s. Wannstedt made it 73 video games with the franchise till his firing in 2004, however the next 9 coaches to patrol the Miami sidelines lasted a mean of 31 video games.
Moreover, if McDaniel finishes his deal, he’ll have coached the Dolphins longer than anybody else apart from Corridor of Famer Don Shula (26 seasons).
McDaniel’s extension is one other distraction eradicated
McDaniel’s authentic deal wasn’t up till the top of the 2025 marketing campaign, however following his early success, it was slowly changing into the elephant within the room. Now, with the Dolphins’ head coach and star gamers like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, together with wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, paid and pleased, Miami can deal with the profitable window that is huge open for them.
Reference to entrance workplace can develop
McDaniel’s work to orchestrate what occurs on the sphere is an integral a part of the Dolphins’ success, however being on the identical web page with the entrance workplace can also be paramount. Based on Jeff Darlington of ESPN, McDaniel has an “particularly robust working relationship” with common supervisor Chris Grier, CEO Tom Garfinkel and cap supervisor Brandon Shore, a lot to the delight of proprietor Stephen Ross.
Now that the group is aware of it might be collectively for the lengthy haul, that may enhance the already robust bond, which might imply even higher issues forward in Miami.
McDaniel has the backing of the gamers
McDaniel is quirky and typically does not match the mould of your typical NFL coach. Nonetheless, his methods, perspective and general demeanor have earned him respect from the Dolphins roster, particularly its star gamers.
Lately, Tagovailoa ripped former head coach Brian Flores aside for his teaching model, claiming that he ridiculed and talked down whereas implying that McDaniel tries to encourage and carry up. In the meantime, in April, throughout an look on the “Million Dollaz Value of Recreation” podcast, Hill lauded the third-year head coach for holding him accountable following a tough efficiency throughout a 21-14 Week 9 loss to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, which he mentioned set instance for him and the remainder of the group.
