Despite a frustrating and disappointing first half of the 2024 season, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has remained supportive of the team’s top decision-makers, according to head coach Mike McDaniel.
“He knows the people that he’s hired that he really believes in and so he’s very supportive,” McDaniel said of Ross on Monday. “I think he’s also supremely competitive so he doesn’t like to lose, but he’s kind of – we’re definitely aligned in that it’s the process and evaluating that and sometimes results are fleeting, and they fall in different arenas. He tries to do everything in his power to facilitate success, so he’s disappointed obviously when we don’t have it.”
McDaniel was hired by the Dolphins in February 2022 and led the team to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, although the team failed to get a win in either postseason appearance. After a 2-5 start this season, McDaniel has a 22-19 record with the Dolphins.
In August, McDaniel received an extension through the 2028 season.
Perhaps the bigger question mark is how secure Chris Grier’s place is as the Dolphins’ general manager. The 54-year-old executive has been with the organization since 2000 and has served as its GM since 2016.
The Dolphins’ rough start in 2024 has largely been due to roster flaws like the team’s inability to find a reliable backup quarterback, or avoid adding players with an injury history. Miami has also received very little contribution from its recent draft classes with the exception of running backs De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright.
If Miami’s tailspin continues and no rebound happens, it’s hard to imagine Grier’s job is safe. But for now, it seems Ross is still willing to ride out things with the Dolphins’ current brain trust.
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