Mike McDaniel doesn’t think a disappointing and sub .500 season for the Miami Dolphins will cost him his job.
“My full expectation is to be back,” McDaniel told reporters after a Week 18 loss to the New York Jets. “I prefer to keep our conversations [with owner Stephen Ross] to our conversations, it’s not really the platform for it, but that’s my full expectation.”
When asked if he believed general manager Chris Grier was also in line to return for the 2025 season, McDaniel gave a similar response.
“My full expectation is our relationship will continue to be strong and a working relationship, for sure,” McDaniel said of Grier.
Earlier in the weekend, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that there’s a “strong rumor” in NFL circles that Grier will soon retire from his position to potentially serve in an advisory role. However, there’s been zero indication from Grier or any other Dolphins brass that the general manager is considering stepping down from the role.
A decision to retain McDaniel wouldn’t be a surprise. While he’s yet to lead the Dolphins to a postseason victory, the team has a 28-23 record with the coach and two trips to the playoffs. After a Week 16 win against the San Francisco 49ers, Ross seemed to make his feelings about McDaniel’s job performance crystal clear by dishing out a game ball to the coach.
Gotta keep believing.
Step into the locker room after our Week 16 win 🔊 pic.twitter.com/6tOfnPGS9r
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 23, 2024
The retention of Grier is a much tougher sell.
Grier, 54, has been with the franchise since 2000 and took over as GM in 2016. In nine seasons, Grier hasn’t constructed a roster capable of winning a playoff game.
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