NFL Rumors: Mike McDaniel's Dolphins Future Eyed by Insiders If Season Ends 'Badly'

Some within the NFL reportedly believe Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could be on the hot seat depending on how the remainder of the 2024 season plays out.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, "some have their eye on Miami and wonder whether there's a change if things end badly this season."

The Dolphins reached the playoffs in each of their first two seasons under McDaniel, but at 6-7, they are currently two games out of a playoff spot in the competitive AFC.

While Miami started slow this season with records of 1-3 and 2-6, the Dolphins have won four of their past five games to get back in the playoff race.

Miami went 1-3 in the four games quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed due to a concussion, and it is fair to wonder where the team would be had he been able to remain fully healthy.

McDaniel's offense is a different animal with Tua at the controls, as evidenced by the fact that he has thrown for 1,301 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions over the past four games.

Offensive success is the biggest argument in favor of keeping McDaniel, as the Dolphins have consistently had one of the best units in the league during his tenure as head coach.

During his first year at the helm, the Dolphins ranked sixth in total offense and 11th in scoring offense, and they got even better last season, ranking second in total offense and first in scoring offense.

McDaniel has gotten the most out of offensive weapons such as wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and running back De'Von Achane, and it is fair to wonder if a new coach would be able to do the same.

However, McDaniel's teams have also had some shortcomings in both cold-weather and playoff games.

Per ESPN's Rob Demovsky, the Dolphins have not won a game with a kickoff temperature under 40 degrees since 2016.

The Dolphins were eliminated in the AFC Wild Card Round of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, and both of them were cold-weather road games against the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.

Miami also blew a three-game lead in the AFC East last season, losing out on the divisional title with a Week 18 home loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo already clinched the division this year, leaving the Dolphins to battle it out for a wild-card spot with the likes of the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers.

Given that McDaniel signed a contract extension with the Dolphins through 2028 just prior to the start of the 2024 season, it is fair to wonder if ownership will give him a bit more leeway.

Simply making the playoffs despite being without his starting quarterback for a month may be enough to save McDaniel's job for now, but if Miami falls short of the postseason, there are at least some rumblings within the league that McDaniel could be in danger of losing his job.