The Miami Dolphins endured a tough 2024 season, finishing 8–9 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Injuries struck again, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sidelined, and the team now faces uncertainty heading into 2025.
Despite the setbacks, it’s clear the Dolphins’ front office is operating in win-now mode. They signed Tagovailoa to a massive four-year, $212.4 million extension and have fielded one of the league’s top offenses over the past two seasons. Still, pressure is mounting.
The team dealt away Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith—who led the team in receptions in 2024—in a trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick, weakening the defense and raising questions about internal stability. With whispers of locker room discord and declining expectations, head coach Mike McDaniel’s job is firmly in jeopardy.
According to Matt Johnson of Yahoo Sports, McDaniel enters 2025 as one of the most likely head coaches to be fired, ranking fourth on a list of seven at-risk NFL coaches. Johnson notes that while Tagovailoa made the offense look nearly unstoppable at times, McDaniel’s poor 2024 showing has cast doubt on his long-term future.
McDaniel holds a 28–23 record in three seasons, including two playoff appearances—a marked improvement from Miami’s pre-2021 struggles. Yet, even with a healthy Tagovailoa, the offense regressed last season, and the gap between the Dolphins and AFC powerhouses appears to be widening.
Johnson concluded that while a disastrous 2025 season could seal McDaniel’s fate, reaching eight wins might be enough to save his job. With a manageable schedule (tied for 21st in strength), Miami still has a path forward—but failure to capitalize could mean sweeping changes ahead.