Dolphins fire head coach Mike McDaniel after 7-10 season

Field Level Media|published: Thu 8th January, 11:13 2026

Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks on during warmups before the game between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday morning after four seasons.

The Dolphins started the 2025 season with six losses in seven games, fired general manager Chris Grier in October and owner Stephen Ross opted to delay a decision on McDaniel until after the season.

Miami finished with a 7-10 record.

McDaniel, 42, posted a 35-33 record with a pair of postseason appearances in his first two years with the team. He signed a three-year contract extension in August 2024.

The firing of McDaniel is the eighth NFL coaching change since the conclusion of the regular season.

Per ESPN, the Dolphins have yet to contact former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh about the position. Ross has ties to the Harbaugh family.

Ross met with McDaniel earlier this week to discuss the season before making his decision on Thursday.

"After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change," Ross said in a statement.

"I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward."

--Field Level Media

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