The Miami Dolphins are at a crossroads following another disappointing season, with pivotal coaching and roster decisions looming. Owner Stephen Ross confirmed today, through his social media accounts, the return of coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier for the upcoming season, emphasizing his belief in continuity within the organization. "Their positive working relationship is an asset to the Dolphins, and I believe in the value of stability,” Ross stated shortly after the team wrapped up its season with a 32-20 loss to the New York Jets.
Despite this backing, Ross – who has faced criticism from fans for the franchise’s repeated failures to secure playoff success – implied expectations would be high moving forward. He acknowledged, "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." With Miami finishing the season with only eight wins and nine losses, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year, the decisions surrounding McDaniel and Grier’s leadership could prove pivotal for the franchise's future.
The Dolphins started the season with aspirations to compete for the AFC East title, but after stumbling to a 2-6 record midway through the season, any chance of playoff contention slipped away. Fans expressed disappointment, especially considering the instability surrounding the team’s management. Under Grier's tenure since 2016, the Dolphins have not won any playoff games. Speculation about his future has arisen, with some sources hinting at the possibility of him taking on a different executive role instead of being outright fired.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed much of the later part of the season, nursing a hip injury alongside prior concussion issues which added to the Dolphins' struggles. Tyler Huntley stepped up during this period, showcasing promise as the team’s backup quarterback. He delivered an impressive performance against the Cleveland Browns before facing the Jets, completing over 80% of his passes and demonstrating his potential to fill the gap if needed. While his efforts were commendable, they came amid questions of whether the Dolphins can depend on him consistently or if they need to seek another solution at backup quarterback.
Huntley, now facing unrestricted free agency, has put himself on the radar for potential discussions about extending his contract with the Dolphins. His success against strong defenses could benefit his cause, but can he replicate his standout performance consistently? A back-to-back great game could secure his position, but the unpredictability of backup quarterback play often raises doubts.
Despite clear talent on the roster – highlighted by the presence of playmakers like wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle – the Dolphins have struggled against top-tier competition. They appeared unprepared and undisciplined during must-win games, which has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Commentary has swirled around the need for Ross to take “decisive action,” as the team’s performance against teams above .500 has been dismal.
The athletes have called for introspection as ownership deliberates on the future of both coaching and player development strategies. “If you’re going to be 8-9 and fall short of your goals, you have to find reasons why and make sure those are not the same mistakes moving forward,” McDaniel commented, echoing sentiments about accountability.
Ross reiterated his own accountability, stating, "I am ‘ultimately accountable for our successes and failures.’" This admission from the owner suggests there may be changes on the horizon, particularly if they continue to falter. It's true the Dolphins need to evolve beyond being merely competitive. If the franchise hopes to return to its glory days, change must be both radical and introspective.
The coming weeks will be fundamental as the Dolphins reassess their strategy moving forward. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see tangible results, especially with the implication of new roles and responsibilities potentially on the way. Whether it’s altering player roles or adjusting coaching strategies, the Dolphins must make these decisions swiftly and thoughtfully to not waste another promising season.