NFL news: Big shakeup in Miami! The Dolphins part ways with head coach Mike McDaniel after a disappointing season. Tyreek Hill expresses shock, reflecting on their successful partnership. What’s next for Hill and the team…

As several of his peers were fired on Black Monday, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel stated that he seemed to be on solid ground.

“It’s my understanding I’m the coach of the Miami Dolphins until told otherwise,” McDaniel said Monday, Jan. 5, at a news conference amid a lack of a public statement from owner Stephen Ross.

That dynamic changed by Thursday, Jan. 8.

The Dolphins fired McDaniel, bringing an end to his four-year run leading the franchise. McDaniel finished with a career mark of 35-33 after a 7-10 finish in the 2025 season.

The move comes amid speculation about which team will land former Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who was fired Tuesday and immediately became the hottest candidate on the open market. But ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Dolphins have not contacted Harbaugh or made inquiries into other coaching candidates.

McDaniel, meanwhile, could become a leading offensive coordinator option for several teams if he doesn’t land another head-coaching gig.

Mike McDaniel was head coach of the Miami Dolphins for four seasons, from 2022-25. McDaniel compiled a record of 35-33 during his tenure (.515 winning %).

“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,” 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.“

Despite dealing top edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles at the NFL trade deadline, the Dolphins went on a four-game win streak to claw closer to a .500 record. Miami would lose three of its final four games, however, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa benched for the last three contests.

“Coaching this team and being a part of this great franchise has been the honor of a lifetime,” McDaniel said in a statement. “When I took this job, I had a vision of a team that was bonded together and played with passion and energy on the path to winning championships. I gave everything I had for that goal. I am disappointed, especially for the fans, that we did not have better results on the field, but I am grateful for every coach, player and staff member who poured themselves into that vision alongside me.”