Dolphins fire head coach Mike McDaniel after missing playoffs for 2nd consecutive season

Mike McDaniel has run out of lustre in Miami.

The Dolphins fired the dry-witted, wunderkind coach who they once viewed as the future of the franchise on Thursday, ending his four-year tenure that was defined by soaring — and unfulfilled — expectations.

McDaniel fell out of favour following a 7-10 season in which Miami missed the playoffs for a second straight year.

"After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change," Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. "I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach."

The Miami Dolphins have relieved Head Coach Mike McDaniel of his duties. <a href="https://t.co/5APbwENBU1">pic.twitter.com/5APbwENBU1</a>

The Dolphins went 35-33 under McDaniel, reaching the playoffs in his first two seasons but losing in the first round each time. Miami missed the postseason in 2024 after being eliminated by the Jets in the regular-season finale. This year, their postseason hopes ended with a loss to Pittsburgh in Week 15, ensuring that their 25-year playoff-win drought would continue.

"When I took this job, I had a vision of a team that was bonded together and played with passion and energy on the path to winning championships," McDaniel said in a statement. "I gave everything I had for that goal. I'm disappointed, especially for the fans, that we did not have better results on the field."

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Miami parted ways with longtime general manager Chris Grier on Oct. 31 and began its search for a new general manager this week. But a disjointed finish to the season that saw former