UPDATE: The Miami Dolphins are facing a critical moment in their season as they plummeted to a dismal 1-6 record following a humiliating 31-6 defeat against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. As frustrations mount, speculation swirls around the future of head coach Mike McDaniel, but insiders reveal he is set to remain in his position.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport has confirmed that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross continues to support McDaniel despite the team’s poor performance. Rapoport stated, “My understanding is early on in the season for the Dolphins and Mike McDaniel is owner Stephen Ross likes him and believes in him.”
The Dolphins have struggled across all three phases of the game, raising alarms within the organization. McDaniel’s decision to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa late in the game has sparked controversy, especially after Tagovailoa openly criticized teammates for skipping crucial player-only meetings.
While the Dolphins’ downward trajectory is concerning, Rapoport emphasized that McDaniel’s job is not in immediate jeopardy. He noted that the only factors that could change Ross’s support would be a significant drop in fan attendance or players failing to rally around their coach.
“Losing handily to a fellow bad team in the NFL is never the direction an ailing team wants to go,” Rapoport added. The upcoming week will be critical for McDaniel as he seeks to regain control of the locker room and demonstrate leadership to his players.
The Dolphins may need to consider drastic changes, such as adjusting the roster or further benching underperforming players, to ignite a spark within the team. McDaniel’s ability to take decisive action could not only influence team morale but also secure his position as head coach moving forward.
As the Dolphins prepare for their next matchup, the pressure is mounting on McDaniel to turn the team’s fortunes around. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the Dolphins will respond to this urgent situation.
For continuous updates on the Dolphins, check in with Newsweek Sports.
