Mike McDaniel MUST Prove it this Season!

So many BIG storylines this season, BUT McDaniel’s is right at the top

In 2024, Mike McDaniel faced a critical season as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, but 2025 might be a make-or-break season for him. After leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances in his first two years, expectations were high. However, the Dolphins finished the season with an 8–9 record, missing the playoffs for the first time under McDaniel’s leadership.

To be fair, it’s complicated with a rebuild underway. On the flip side, his unit has mostly been held together and improved through the draft with the addition of guards James Daniels and Jonah Savaiinaea. So, whatever the team does as a whole is one thing given the teardown. But the production of the offense must be directly tied to whether McDaniel is the right man for the job or not!

Offensive Struggles and Adaptation

One of the most significant areas of concern is the offense’s performance. In 2023, the Dolphins led the league in total offense, averaging 401.3 yards per game. However, in 2024, they ranked 22nd in scoring offense, averaging 20.3 points per game. This decline was partly due to injuries, notably to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who missed six games due to a concussion. Backup quarterbacks struggled to maintain the offensive rhythm, leading to inconsistency. Can Tua stay healthy and will some of the new backups pick up the slack if he does go down? You can bet with the best pay per head this will be a major factor in McDaniel’s season.

Additionally, McDaniel’s offensive scheme, once celebrated for its innovation, seemed to lose its edge. The Dolphins’ rushing attack, which had been a strength in 2023, ranked among the worst in the league in 2024. This regression raised questions about McDaniel’s ability to adapt his system to evolving defenses.

Challenges in High-Pressure Situations

Another area where McDaniel’s coaching was scrutinized was in high-pressure situations. The Dolphins struggled against teams with winning records, posting a 1–10 record in such games over the past two seasons. This pattern suggested difficulties in preparing the team for critical matchups, an essential aspect of a head coach’s role. This season will have plenty of primetime games where he can flip the script or prove this is just how a team led by McDaniel responds.

Defensive Strength Amidst Offensive Woes

Despite the offensive challenges, the Dolphins’ defense showed significant improvement. The unit finished 4th in the league in fewest yards allowed, marking a notable achievement. This defensive prowess highlighted the team’s potential when all phases of the game are functioning optimally. Again, this is less about his ability this season given all the questions surrounding the secondary, but it will certainly play key role. A good defense will give him less oppositional points to overcome and more possessions.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Season should be a crossroad for Mike McDaniel tenure. While the Dolphins have shown flashes of promise, inconsistencies and failures in key areas have underscored all the positives. Can McDaniel prove he’s the right man for the job here or will the Phins be looking for a new head coach and offensive coordinator next season?