Mike McDaniel -- 'Zero red flags' in taking Miami Dolphins' head-coaching job amid Brian Flores' lawsuit

MIAMI — The drama surrounding the Miami Dolphins organization didn't deter Mike McDaniel.

The team's new head coach, speaking to the media about his dream job for the first time since he was hired Feb. 6, praised Dolphins owner Stephen Ross for his commitment to winning despite allegations from former head coach Brian Flores that Ross offered him $100,000 for every game the team lost in 2019.

«I can honestly say there were absolutely no red flags — and the reason why is because I was stepping into an organization with a boss who, I don't think people give it it's proper due,» McDaniel said Thursday. «The city of Miami is lucky to have an owner that, right, wrong or indifferent, all he cares about is winning. As a coach, that's literally all you're looking for.

»So red flags? No, there's no red flags for me."

The former 49ers offensive coordinator, McDaniel comes to Miami as a first-time head coach after five seasons in San Francisco — where he is credited for his innovative play design and creativity.

Ross said some people refer to McDaniel as a «genius» and that he received calls from coaches in the NFC West who praised his football acumen but ultimately, «want him out of the division.»

A league source told ESPN that Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay and Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur were among those to call Ross and vouch for McDaniel.

Ross also established a chain of command for the Dolphins, saying McDaniel will report to general manager Chris Grier, who will report to Ross and CEO Tom Garfinkel. During previous coaching regimes, Grier has reportedly left personnel decisions to the team's head coach — but McDaniel said working with Grier was one of the selling points of the job.

«He isn't interested in ego and