The Miami Dolphins entered the 2025 offseason with a cloud hanging over them, still reeling from a disappointing end to their 2024 campaign. Questions swirled around the team’s mental toughness and locker room culture. In response, the organization has spent the spring and early stages of training camp focusing on reshaping its identity and instilling accountability from within.
Training camp kicked off this week, and the tone was immediately different. Players ran sprints after every practice—not because the coaching staff mandated it, but because the team leaders did.
“It was a decision we made as players,” said offensive tackle Austin Jackson (via The Palm Beach Post). “When we commit pre-snap penalties—something completely within our control—we’re holding ourselves accountable with discipline. That’s the standard now.”
Pre-snap mistakes were a recurring issue early in camp, with multiple reporters noting how often the offense stalled due to these preventable errors. Rather than waiting for coaches to intervene, players took ownership, showing a growing sense of leadership and unity.
Head coach Mike McDaniel, who enters 2025 under significant pressure, has adjusted his approach. One key change? He’s empowered the team’s veteran leaders to take control of accountability and discipline.
“This is a way for players to highlight how important the little things are,” McDaniel said. “When you’re trying to improve, you start by fixing what you can control—like losing yards before a play even starts. That’s why the team leaders are now responsible for addressing those penalties after practice.”
The early signs of a cultural shift in Miami are encouraging. There’s renewed energy around playmakers like Tyreek Hill, the defensive front looks healthy and motivated, and the new faces brought in during the offseason are already buying into the system.
McDaniel, who knows he’s on one of the hottest coaching seats in the NFL, is doing more than just tweaking strategy—he’s self-reflecting and adjusting his leadership style to better connect with his players.
“Each year, you learn more about yourself and your team,” McDaniel explained. “I’ve had to evolve in how I impact this locker room. We’ve made a lot of changes—more than I can list. But the point is, we’re never doing things just because it’s what we’ve done before. That’s not good enough anymore.”
With heightened expectations and pressure building, McDaniel understands that buy-in from his players is the foundation for any success this season.
“We constantly evaluate everything,” he said. “Some things have stayed the same, but plenty has changed. What matters is that the people in the building believe in the direction we’re heading. When they do, you know you’re on the right path.”