The Miami Dolphins fired Mike McDaniel on Thursday. With McDaniel out, who will be Miami’s next head coach? Here are three candidates that the Dolphins could hire.
Dolphins Fire Mike McDaniel
The Miami Dolphins have relieved Head Coach Mike McDaniel of his duties. pic.twitter.com/5APbwENBU1
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 8, 2026
After four seasons, the Dolphins relieved McDaniel of his coaching duties.
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change. I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” Dolphins Chairman and Owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. “I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
The firing comes days after McDaniel told reporters he would help the Dolphins find their next general manager. On Thursday, Ross clearly had a change of heart.
McDaniel became the 11th head coach of the Dolphins in 2022. McDaniel led the Dolphins to winning records and postseason appearances in his first two seasons. Miami has not won a playoff game since 2000.
2025 was a tumultuous year for McDaniel. There was speculation he could be fired after a 2-7 start. The Dolphins fired general manager Chris Grier and kept McDaniel to finish the season. The Dolphins went 5-3 down the stretch to finish 7-10.
With McDaniel out, a new coach will be paired with a new general manager for the 2026 season. They must decide what to do with Tua Tagovailoa, who wants a “fresh start” next season.
3 Candidates Dolphins Could Fire
With John Harbaugh available, and #Dolphins owner Stephen Ross' ties to the family, he now looms as a key candidate for Miami. A reason to fire a coach, with the thought that they could get Harbaugh.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2026
John Harbaugh
John Harbaugh’s dismissal led the Dolphins to fire McDaniel. It might not be the sole reason, but it’s certainly the biggest.
The Ravens and Harbaugh parted ways earlier this week after 18 seasons.
Harbaugh immediately jumped to the top of the list of best coaches available.
The Dolphins are interviewing Los Angeles Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander for their vacant general manager position. Alexander worked with the Ravens from 1999 to 2019.
If Alexander gets the job, expect the Dolphins to be aggressive in their pursuit of Harbaugh.
Klint Kubiak
The Seattle Seahawks’ offensive success can be attributed to coordinator Klint Kubiak.
With Kubiak calling plays, Sam Darnold finished fourth in passing yards (4,048), while Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished first in receiving yards (1,793).
Miami will likely have a new quarterback under center next season. Now is the perfect time to pair that quarterback with a young coordinator like Kubiak.
Jesse Minter
Ross is one of Michigan University’s biggest donors.
As an avid football fan, Ross got a front-row seat to Michigan’s national championship win during the 2023 season.
The defensive coordinator of that team was Jesse Minter, who now runs the defense for Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers.
Minter is one of the hot young coordinators on the coaching market. Perhaps Ross takes a chance on a Michigan man.
