EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Miami Dolphins plan to retain their current leadership for the upcoming season, with Mike McDaniel continuing as head coach and Chris Grier remaining as general manager. This announcement came shortly after the team’s disappointing end to their season, marked by a 32-20 defeat to the New York Jets on Sunday. Team owner Stephen Ross shared a statement on social media, confirming that both McDaniel and Grier would return for another year.
“In looking ahead to 2025, our football operations will maintain continuity under the leadership of Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel, which I wholeheartedly support,” Ross stated. “Their strong working relationship is beneficial to the Dolphins, and I recognize the importance of organizational stability. Nonetheless, it is crucial to differentiate between consistency in leadership and complacency with the status quo.”
Despite high hopes for a title run in the AFC East, the Dolphins struggled early, starting the season with a record of 2-6. They managed to rally late in the season to revive their playoff aspirations, but ultimately lost that chance when the Denver Broncos secured the final playoff slot while the Dolphins were still in action. Miami concluded the season with a disappointing 8-9 record, leading to speculation regarding the futures of both McDaniel and Grier.
Ross emphasized the need for reflection, stating, “We will critically assess our shortcomings and implement the necessary adjustments to achieve our goal of building and maintaining a competitive team that aims for championships.” He also stressed his own accountability for both the team’s successes and failures.
The Dolphins aimed to reach the playoffs for a third consecutive year, a feat that would have been historic for the franchise, as the last occurrence was from 1999 to 2001. Under McDaniel’s leadership, the team has posted a record of 28-23 in regular-season games but has yet to secure a win in the playoffs, going 0-2 in his three seasons with the team.
Following the game, McDaniel expressed optimism about his future with the Dolphins, stating, “I fully expect to be back.” He preferred to keep discussions private but alluded to the importance of addressing the issues leading to the underwhelming season. “When ending up with an 8-9 record, it’s important to analyze the reasons for falling short and ensure we learn from those mistakes as we move forward,” he concluded.
