Mike McDaniel hot seat: NFL insider reveals expectation for Dolphins HC heading into 2026

by: Nick Geddes 8 hours ago NickGeddesNews

Earlier this season, the seat under Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel appeared to be as hot as any head coach in the NFL . Now, McDaniel is “likely to be back in 2026,” according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

“Our understanding is McDaniel, barring some sort of surprise, is expected back next season,” Rapoport said Sunday. “This is someone who does have the support of the owner, Stephen Ross . Remember, he extended him, the two are close. The Dolphins organization does want McDaniel to succeed and believes that he can do it.”

From @NFLGameDay: #Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is likely to be back in 2026, though Tua Tagovailoa is not. Where does it stand for Miami? pic.twitter.com/H7dxWxc6gQ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2025

McDaniel, 42, is currently in his fourth season as Miami’s head coach. After back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and ’23, the Dolphins slipped to 8-9 in 2024. They are 6-8 this season, meaning another year of no postseason.

General manager Chris Grier was fired on Halloween. At the time, the Dolphins were 2-7, coming off a 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. McDaniel kept his job, and Miami won its next four games.

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