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We’re beginning to learn more about the Miami Dolphins’ decision to fire Mike McDaniel.
On Thursday morning, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced the team was parting ways with their head coach.
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change. I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach. I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
The Miami Dolphins have relieved Head Coach Mike McDaniel of his duties.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 8, 2026
According to Dolphins insider Barry Jackson, McDaniel was shocked by the firing after he met with Ross earlier this week.
Via Barry Jackson
McDaniel was informed this morning. This was a shock to Mike; his camp fully expected him to be retained. Ross decided to make the change after assessing situation in aftermath of meeting with McDaniel.
A Dolphins player conveyed to me that Mike held exit meetings with players last couple days, talked about offseason plan, their potential role for next season. So this stunned a lot of people. Probably shouldn’t have stunned people but did. But it’s nobody’s fault. This is life in the NFL. Things change and teams must do what’s best for them.
While many assumed the Dolphins’ interest in John Harbaugh caused McDaniel’s firing, reports say that wasn’t the case.
Via Adam Schefter
Sources: Dolphins have not contacted John Harbaugh or made inquiries into other coaches. This was an independent decision apart from general manager.
It’s going to be tough for the Dolphins to sign Harbaugh because the Giants have a better situation and are interested in signing him.
The Giants’ job that John Harbaugh was reportedly interested in yesterday has not changed today with Mike McDaniel’s ouster in Miami.
Harbaugh is 63. Miami has no QB. The Giants do.
We’ll see how this plays out.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) January 8, 2026