As long-time fans of the Miami Dolphins, one thing we have come to expect is the constant turnover of coaches, including the head coach position. We have also observed varying levels of success—or often a lack thereof—from coach to coach. The latest iteration has experienced a varied range of success thus far. To date, Mike McDaniel has coached the team to a 28-23 record over three seasons. The 2022 season concluded with a 9-8 record and a wild-card berth. In 2023, the team’s record improved to 11-6 but, once again, the team went one and done in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Last season saw the team regress, falling back to a sub-.500 8-9 record, thus missing the playoffs.
McDaniel arrived in Miami with numerous players and coaches who had collaborated with Mike, praising him as some sort of football genius. He may indeed possess genius in certain aspects and is clearly an intelligent individual, but the role of head coach, or achieving greatness as a head coach at the NFL level, necessitates a much more complex combination of traits beyond simply being book smart or even a genius coordinator. Being a successful head coach also comes with a steep learning curve when you are a head coach for the first time. There are those who somehow manage to hit the ground running and achieve success from the start, but many others have faced the dilemma of being fired before ultimately finding their footing with a different organization.
Several other factors contribute to a head coach’s success. Is he with an organization that supports him? Does the front office effectively handle scouting and player acquisition? Does the team have a top quarterback or at least a fairly decent one to work with? This list could truly be endless, covering both the small and large elements that an NFL organization must address to achieve consistent success. But what is your perspective on Mike McDaniel and the job he has done with the staff and roster he has been given over his first three seasons leading the team? Do you think that throughout three seasons, he has shown that he is growing into the position, or do you think he’s just another guy that will ultimately only ever be a top-quality coordinator at this level?
So tonight’s Phinsider Question Of The Day is:
What do you think of Mike McDaniel as the head coach of our Miami Dolphins? Do you believe he will be the long-term solution for this team in that role? Do you see him growing into the job, or is he doomed like so many others before him? Should Miami continue to support him as he develops, or should they have already cut their losses and moved on?
Please give us your thoughts and answers in the comments section below-