Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier walks not the field prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
January 6 – The Miami Dolphins are keeping coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier in their respective positions after a disappointing 8-9 record in 2024.
Hours after Miami lost 32-20 to the New York Jets on Sunday evening, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross made the decision public.
“As we now look towards 2025, our football operation will continue to be led by Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel with my full support,” Ross said in a statement. “Their positive working relationship is an asset to the Dolphins, and I believe in the value of stability.
“However, continuity in leadership is not to be confused with an acceptance that status quo is good enough. We will take a hard look at where we have fallen short and make the necessary changes to deliver our ultimate goal of building and sustaining a winning team that competes for championships.”
The Dolphins missed the playoffs this season for the first time in McDaniel’s three seasons as coach. He has a 28-23 regular-season record.
Grier has been Miami’s general manager since 2016 but has been with the organization since 2000 when he was hired as a scout.
There also was turmoil after the game as star receiver Tyreek Hill expressed his unhappiness with the organization and said he needs to reassess his career.
“I have to do what’s best for me and my family,” Hill told reporters. “If that’s here or wherever that case may be, I’m opening that door for myself. I’m out. It was great playing here but at the end of the day I have to do what’s best for my career.”
Hill wasn’t on the field late in the game and McDaniel said afterward that he was informed Hill wasn’t available.
The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since the 2000 season, the longest active drought of any NFL club.
Miami was hurt this season by quarterback instability as standout Tua Tagovailoa was limited to 11 games due to multiple injuries. Tyler Huntley, who joined the team in mid-September, started five games and Skylar Thompson made one start. Tim Boyle also made two appearances.
–Field Level Media
