Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel once again faced questions about his job security following Sunday’s 45-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. But this time, the conversation came with a new twist.
Earlier in the day, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that McDaniel is expected to return as the Dolphins’ head coach for the 2026 season. That would seemingly remove lingering doubts about his future, but McDaniel wasn’t interested in confirming it.
McDaniel stays focused on coaching, not job speculation
Asked after the loss whether team leadership had formally communicated the decision to bring him back in 2026, McDaniel gave a measured response:
The focus for me as a head coach… there is plenty to focus on that I don’t spend my time thinking about the job I already have.”… “I try to do it to the best of my ability.
McDaniel said, per the team transcript
He then shifted the subject immediately back to football execution – specifically, Miami’s ongoing struggles coming out of halftime.
“I have some work to do to get our third quarters right, and we’re not going to have any time to waste because there will be a hungry Tampa team we’re going to face in a week.”… “My focus is there.”
McDaniel emphasized that the team depends on his presence and attention to detail and that he plans to keep his energy directed toward preparing for Week 17 rather than addressing long-term job rumors.
Dolphins’ QB situation it’s a problem
The Dolphins’ defeat against Cincinnati was the first since the team benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a move that further raised questions about the franchise’s long-term direction and McDaniel’s role in it.
Miami’s decisions at quarterback going forward will define the offseason. Whether Tagovailoa returns, whether the Dolphins could explore a trade, or whether a rookie enters the picture, McDaniel’s input will be central if he remains in power.
Whichever direction the Dolphins choose, that decision will likely influence whether McDaniel is still coaching in Miami beyond the 2026 season.
Miami entered the year with hopes of competing for a championship but instead finds itself facing a losing streak, offensive inconsistency, and uncertainty at the sport’s most important position. McDaniel remains one of the league’s most creative offensive minds, but the Dolphins’ third-quarter scoring problems and late-season collapses have heightened scrutiny.
Miami now turns its attention to next week
The Dolphins have one week to regroup before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a matchup that could further influence how ownership evaluates the coaching staff and roster heading into the offseason.
For now, McDaniel refuses to engage in contract speculation – leaving the focus on finishing the 2025 season strong. Whether Rapoport’s report proves accurate remains to be seen, but it’s clear the Dolphins head coach wants his actions, not rumors, to define his future.
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