The Miami Dolphins were eliminated from the playoffs with little fuss.
Despite having the NFL’s second-highest scoring offense, Miami scored only seven points in a wild-card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
After another disappointing playoff exit under head coach Mike McDaniel, NFL analyst Jeremy Marks-Peltz speculated that Miami might consider a coaching change this offseason due to the age of owner Stephen Ross and the abundance of quality veteran coaches on the market.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Mike McDaniel is let go.” “The Dolphins have an 83-year-old star chasing a billion-dollar owner, and Belichick, Pete Carroll, and possibly Mike Tomlin are all available with Super Bowl pedigrees,” Marks-Peltz added.
I would not be surprised if Mike McDaniel gets fired. The Dolphins have an 83-year old star chasing owner with money, and Belichick, Pete Carroll, possibly Mike Tomlin all available with Super Bowl pedigrees.
I DO NOT think McDaniel should be fired, just saying I could see it.
— Jeremy Marks-Peltz (@JMP1063) January 14, 2024
This is a bit of a reach, given what McDaniel has accomplished with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the offense in just two years.
The team around Tagovailoa has been good all year, but injuries at the conclusion of the season have slowed the Dolphins’ pace.
Miami lost key offensive players such as wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back Raheem Mostert during the final two games of the season, which resulted in the Dolphins falling to the No. 6 seed, as well as defensive starters such as edge rushers Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Xavien Howard.
Even with a healthy Tagovailoa and a better overall squad, this is the Dolphins’ second consecutive wild card exit, thus changes will likely be made this offseason to address any faults on the club.
The head coach is unlikely to be one of those weaknesses, but if the club fails to progress year over year, McDaniel’s seat will only get hotter.
