The Miami Dolphins made a significant coaching change by relieving Mike McDaniel of his duties shortly after the conclusion of the season. This decision follows a four-year tenure in which McDaniel led the team to a 35-33 record. The timing of the dismissal, which occurred on Thursday, came as a surprise to McDaniel, who had anticipated being involved in the search for a new general manager.
McDaniel”s fate was sealed just days after the Baltimore Ravens parted ways with John Harbaugh, a move that has sparked speculation about a potential reunion. The Dolphins, who finished the season with a disappointing 7-10 record, had already dismissed general manager Chris Grier earlier in the season after a poor start. During the final stretch, the team opted to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round pick.
Insider Ben Dogra revealed to Newsweek that the Dolphins” decision to let McDaniel go was driven by their desire to pursue Harbaugh. The Dolphins are reportedly making every effort to attract Harbaugh, including interviewing candidates familiar to him, which signals a commitment to establish an organization that aligns with his vision.
Harbaugh, 63, is highly regarded for his experience and success, notably winning Super Bowl XLVII. He is likely to seek a team where he has synergy with the general manager, a role that could potentially be filled by Chad Alexander, the current assistant general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers. Alexander has a long history with the Ravens, having served for 20 years before his recent move to the Chargers.
As the organization undergoes this transition under the leadership of owner Stephen M. Ross and other executives, there is a clear intention to reshape the franchise. The goal is to create a more promising future for the fan base. While the Dolphins are optimistic about landing Harbaugh, they also believe that there are viable alternatives in this year”s coaching cycle that could be just as effective as McDaniel.
Dogra mentioned that the Dolphins have conducted an analysis and feel confident about their second choice, should Harbaugh decline their offer. Additionally, the Green Bay Packers have emerged as another potential landing spot for Harbaugh, especially if they choose to make changes following their playoff performance.
The New York Giants are also interested in Harbaugh, although they have an established general manager in Joe Schoen, making their pursuit more complicated. Meanwhile, the Dolphins remain focused on their primary target while preparing for various contingencies in the coaching landscape.
