The 2024 NFL playoffs are on the horizon, but after a dizzying 48 hours of coaching news, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel wanted to talk about something else on Thursday.
McDaniel, like many others in the sports world, has spent the previous two days digesting the shocking news of Pete Carroll’s firing as coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Nick Saban’s retirement on Wednesday, and Bill Belichick’s departure from the New England Patriots on Thursday morning.
McDaniel didn’t hold back when asked for his comments on the iconic trio during his media session, as he provided a pretty contemplative take on the news after taking time to contemplate on the bombshell announcements.
“It’s just kind of a reminder to me that, you know, I’m just going to be candid, Father Time’s a d—,” McDaniel told reporters at the news conference. “He’s not a nice guy, but he’s real, and I think it reminds you that everything has a limit.” … [Belichick] has been in charge of one organization for 24 years, and it wasn’t because he was entertaining news conferences, but because he did his job well.
“I have a lot of regard and, as you can tell, I’m kind of mourning the loss of those three, for sure.” McDaniel’s NSFW comment may not be for everyone, but given Belichick, Saban, and Carroll’s aggregate impact, it’s difficult not to see the merit in the eccentric coach’s perspective on the seismic departures.
Based on his response, it’s evident McDaniel holds high regard for all three, which could provide further motivation as he seeks his first postseason victory with the Dolphins against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
