Miami Dolphins Fired Head Coach Mike McDaniel
The Dolphins dismissed McDaniel following the 2025 season after two years without a playoff appearance.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Football
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Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel. McDaniel has since joined the Los Angeles Chargers to serve as the team's offensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh.
Why it matters
The decision to move on from McDaniel reflects the Miami Dolphins organization's desire for a fresh start after missing the postseason for two consecutive years.
During the 2025 season, the Miami Dolphins scored 42 points in one game and surpassed 14 points in 13 out of 17 total games. In contrast, the Los Angeles Chargers have struggled offensively, scoring only 14 points in each of their first two games.
The players
Mike McDaniel
He is an NFL coach who previously served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins before joining the Los Angeles Chargers as an offensive coordinator.
Jim Harbaugh
He is a veteran football coach and the current head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The details
Mike McDaniel, who previously led the Miami Dolphins to back-to-back postseason appearances in 2022 and 2023, now transitions to the Los Angeles Chargers. His tenure in Miami was notably defined by consistent difficulty against the Buffalo Bills, against whom he posted a 2-7 record.
Timeline
McDaniel led the Dolphins to postseason appearances in 2022 and 2023.
McDaniel finished his final season coaching the Miami Dolphins in 2025.
In 2026, McDaniel officially transitioned to the Los Angeles Chargers organization.
The Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to play the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 of 2026.
Season Trajectory
The transition of Mike McDaniel to the Los Angeles Chargers staff alters the offensive play-calling dynamics for his new team heading into their Week 3 matchup. This move signifies a pivotal shift for the Dolphins, who are looking to rebuild their identity after recent coaching instability.
The shift in coaching personnel forces a re-evaluation of the Chargers' offensive potential for fantasy managers relying on their scoring output. The team's immediate success depends on whether McDaniel can elevate their scoring beyond the 14 points they averaged in their first two games.
The takeaway
Coaching changes in the NFL often signal a shift in offensive philosophy as teams adjust to new leadership. Followers of the game should observe how McDaniel adjusts his play-calling strategy with the Chargers to overcome recent scoring struggles.
What happens next
The Los Angeles Chargers are scheduled to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 of the 2026 season.
Further reading
For more on team developments, visit Football.
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