The Miami Dolphins could be heading into the 2026 season with stability at the top of the sideline, but not necessarily under center. According to league insider Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins are widely expected to retain head coach Mike McDaniel, even after a season that has not lived up to expectations.
Dolphins Likely To Keep Head Coach Mike McDaniel
At the same time, the organization appears to be considering options to move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, whose performance has dipped significantly this year.
McDaniel, the architect of Miami’s dynamic offense over the past few seasons, has been under pressure as the Dolphins struggle to find consistency. Despite early struggles in 2025, reports suggest Dolphins owner Stephen Ross still believes in McDaniel’s vision and leadership, leaving his future with the team relatively secure heading into the offseason.
From @NFLGameDay: #Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is likely to be back in 2026, though Tua Tagovailoa is not. Where does it stand for Miami? pic.twitter.com/H7dxWxc6gQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 21, 2025
While McDaniel’s job appears safe, Tagovailoa’s position is far more tenuous. Once one of the league’s most exciting quarterbacks, Tagovailoa has faced a steep decline this season. He signed a lucrative four-year, $212 million extension in 2024 on the strength of his 2023 campaign, during which he led the NFL in passing yards.
But in 2025, the numbers tell a troubling story. Tagovailoa has struggled with turnovers, including a league-leading interception count and inconsistent play that has frustrated fans and now the coaching staff.
Tua Tagovailoa Expected To Be Cut Or Traded
The tipping point came when Miami benched Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers in Week 16, a stunning development for a franchise that once rode Tagovailoa to the top of the AFC standings.
Tagovailoa’s contract is one of the most onerous in the league, and parting ways with him won’t be an easy process. Releasing him outright would create a record-setting dead cap hit of nearly $100 million, though the Dolphins could mitigate some of that by designating a post-June 1 cut, spreading the dead money over two seasons.
According to Rapoport, the Dolphins’ preference would be to trade Tagovailoa, though that is easier said than done. Carrying one of the worst contracts in the game doesn’t make the quarterback a very attractive commodity, and the team could potentially attach draft capital in order to get someone to take the owed money off of their hands.
For now, McDaniel’s job stability gives the Dolphins some continuity, but Tagovailoa’s future with the franchise is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 offseason.
