- The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 season has been disastrous at nearly every turn. Star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered yet another gruesome concussion, leading to serious doubt about his long-term future. Backups Tyler Huntley, Time Boyle, and Skylar Thompson were a trio of ineptitude in his stead.Superstar Tyreek Hill’s season began with him in handcuffs after being detained by local police. Hill has had one of the worst seasons of his career, posting just 654 receiving yards and four touchdowns through 12 games. Co-Star Jaylen Waddle has nearly largely disappeared, recording an abysmal 602 yards and two touchdowns in his first 12 appearances. The defense has been inconsistent, breaking at some of the most times. And, perhaps worst of all, the roster, which had Super Bowl hopes in the pre-season, finds themselves virtually eliminated from postseason contention. Overall, it has been a total train wreck.
3 Reasons Why the Miami Dolphins Should Not Fire Mike McDaniel
House Cleaning
Unsurprisingly, the chaotic season has led to speculation that General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel should be let go after the season concludes. Grier’s status with the franchise is a conversation for another day. However, there is enough evidence to have a definitive take on McDaniel’s long-term value (or lack thereof). He should be retained. The Miami Dolphins are a Super Bowl Team if this Happens – Up & Adams
Superstar Tyreek Hill’s season began with him in handcuffs after being detained by local police. Hill has had one of the worst seasons of his career, posting just 654 receiving yards and four touchdowns through 12 games. Co-Star Jaylen Waddle has nearly largely disappeared, recording an abysmal 602 yards and two touchdowns in his first 12 appearances. The defense has been inconsistent, breaking at some of the most times. And, perhaps worst of all, the roster, which had Super Bowl hopes in the pre-season, finds themselves virtually eliminated from postseason contention. Overall, it has been a total train wreck.
3 Reasons Why the Miami Dolphins Should Not Fire Mike McDaniel
House Cleaning
Unsurprisingly, the chaotic season has led to speculation that General Manager Chris Grier and Head Coach Mike McDaniel should be let go after the season concludes. Grier’s status with the franchise is a conversation for another day. However, there is enough evidence to have a definitive take on McDaniel’s long-term value (or lack thereof). He should be retained.
To begin, McDaniel has endured tremendous adversity this season. Many of these issues, particularly the injuries, were out of his control. Tagovailoa’s concussion, while tragic and serious, was unavoidable. Injuries are, unfortunately, part of playing NFL football.
The Steady Offense
It is also difficult to hang Hill’s poor performance on McDaniel’s shoulders. For the most part, the offensive ingenuity and creativity that made McDaniel famous remain. De’Von Achane has looked like a budding star (both as a rusher and receiver). Journeyman tight end Jonnu Smith has been dominant, establishing himself as the top pass catcher in Miami and resurrecting his pro career.
It isn’t as though Miami’s offense has dried up. McDaniel is still finding ways to create offense despite Hill and Waddle’s poor play. Perhaps Hill’s slump is injury-related. Regardless, the head coach can only take so much of the blame.
The Team Buy-In
Additionally, the team has never quite on their head coach. Often, underperforming teams will grow so frustrated that they suffer mental mistakes and lapses in judgment. In short, they check out on the season. This often is the clearest sign that a leadership transition is necessary However, the Dolphins have remained competitive. In some games, they are outmatched. This is the case for all but a precious few clubs. But the fight has always been there.
