The Miami Dolphins have secured the services of head coach Mike McDaniel through the 2028 season with a three-year contract extension, sources informed Jeff Darlington. McDaniel, who is entering his third year with the Dolphins, has already established himself as a key figure in the franchise’s history. Leading the team to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, McDaniel joins the ranks of legendary Dolphins coaches Dave Wannstedt and Don Shula.
Under McDaniel’s guidance, the Dolphins have transformed their offense into a top-10 unit, a feat not achieved by the franchise for 26 years. In 2023, Miami led the league in total yards, showcasing McDaniel’s impact on the team’s performance.
Despite the playoff drought, with the Dolphins yet to win a postseason game since 1999, McDaniel’s strong working relationships with general manager Chris Grier, CEO Tom Garfinkel, and Senior VP of Football and Business Administration Brandon Shore have solidified his position as the coach to break that streak.
McDaniel’s influence is particularly evident in the development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Under McDaniel’s leadership, Tagovailoa has delivered the best two seasons of his career, leading the NFL in passing yards last season. This offseason, Tagovailoa signed a four-year extension, aligning his contract with McDaniel’s new deal, further solidifying their partnership.
Interestingly, the Dolphins were the only team to interview McDaniel during the 2022 offseason, ultimately hiring him for his first head-coaching position. Players and staff alike have praised McDaniel not just for his football acumen but for his unique ability to connect with othersโan essential quality emphasized by owner Steve Ross following the dismissal of Brian Flores in 2022.
“We took a chance, but I was impressed by him,” Ross shared in a preseason interview with CBS Miami. “His intelligence and uniqueness as a person are certainly remarkable, and he’s doing a fantastic job. Everyone loves him.”
