Story perspectives

Pressure Mounts on Dolphins' McDaniel After 0-3 Start

9/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel faces pressure after an 0-3 start to the 2025 season, following a loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Owner Stephen Ross, who extended McDaniel's contract last year for about $19 million, prefers not to fire him.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport indicated McDaniel's job is currently safe, but this could change with declining fan support.
The Dolphins have received criticism, including a plane banner demanding McDaniel's dismissal.
Upcoming games against the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers are pivotal for McDaniel's future amid concerns over team performance.

History

Historical Context

The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Dave Wannstedt in 2000 after a disappointing season, reflecting the franchise's high expectations. This pattern of swift coaching changes continued, as seen with Mike McDaniel's recent struggles in 2025, where the Dolphins started 0-3. Such instability highlights the intense pressure NFL coaches face, often leading to rapid decisions that affect team dynamics and future strategies.

1 of 2

Story summary

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel faces pressure after an 0-3 start to the 2025 season, following a loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Owner Stephen Ross, who extended McDaniel's contract last year for about $19 million, prefers not to fire him.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport indicated McDaniel's job is currently safe, but this could change with declining fan support.
The Dolphins have received criticism, including a plane banner demanding McDaniel's dismissal.
Upcoming games against the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers are pivotal for McDaniel's future amid concerns over team performance.

1 / 2