Tag: Dolphins head coaching search

The Dolphins are hiring Mike McDaniel as their next head coach

It appears that we finally have a coach!

After weeks of interviews and deliberation, the Miami Dolphins are hiring San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as the next head coach of their organization, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

McDaniel and Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore were the two remaining finalists for the job position left after Brian Flores was fired. Both finalists interviewed for the second time in the last couple of days, and the Dolphins apparently feel comfortable enough to move forward with McDaniel.

The journey of the new head coach has been a long one. He started as an intern with Mike Shanahan’s Denver Broncos. McDaniel went to the Houston Texans with Shanahan’s son, Kyle, before pursuing an opportunity in the United Football League from 2009-10. He then returned to the NFL and followed the younger Shanahan at all of his stops in Washington, Cleveland, Atlanta, and San Francisco, working his way from offensive assistant up to offensive coordinator.

It’s unclear who will join McDaniel’s staff, but just bringing some of his offensive genius that’s been discussed throughout this process, the Dolphins could be headed in the right direction.

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Robert Saleh doesn’t want to see Mike McDaniel in the AFC East

The two worked together for seven years.

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After two weeks, the Miami Dolphins have narrowed down the search for their next head coach to two finalists – San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

Both McDaniel and Moore are expected to receive their second interviews this week, and Miami could make a decision any time after that.

McDaniel has received a lot of praise on social media over the last few weeks, as he’s gone somewhat viral for his coaching ability and for showing off his personality at press conferences.

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and McDaniel spent seven years together as part of the Texans and 49ers organizations, and at the Senior Bowl this week, Saleh was asked about McDaniel. He had nothing but good things to say about his former co-worker.

“Mike is phenomenal,” Saleh said. “His mindset, the way he creates things, the outside-the-box thinking, his ability to communicate with people, he’s as good as they get.

“He’s been with Kyle [Shanahan] for longer than any of us have,” Saleh continued. “He’s been there since he and I were [quality control coaches], sitting across from each other with the Houston Texans back in ‘06. He’s brilliant, and he’s every bit deserving to be a head coach. I would not like him to come to the division. But if it happens, so be it.”

While it’s not clear which finalist will actually get the job, there have been a lot of people for McDaniel to get a shot. There’s a very real chance that Saleh will have to face him twice a year.

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Jim Harbaugh should be the Dolphins’ top head coach target

If he’s coming back to the NFL, Stephen Ross needs to be all in.

When the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Brian Flores on Black Monday, owner Stephen Ross stepped up to the media to answer their questions. One of the main topics was whether or not the team would make a run at Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.

At the time, Ross had mentioned that he wasn’t going to be the one who takes Harbaugh away from Michigan, Ross’ alma mater. However, in recent days, it appears as though Harbaugh is strongly considering a move back to the NFL. He’s already met with the Minnesota Vikings regarding their head coaching vacancy, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reported that the Vikings believe Harbaugh is ready to return to the league.

There have also been murmurs that Ross will go after Harbaugh if he shows legitimate interest in leaving Michigan.

San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the two finalists for the job, have both had their teams bounced from the postseason, so either coach would be free to join Miami whenever an offer is made. Both options present the Dolphins with risks that come with a first-time head coach. Harbaugh is experienced and is as committed to the lifestyle as anyone, so those same risks aren’t there.

However, if the Dolphins were to go after Harbaugh, this might change their plans regarding the power and decision-making in the organization. Ross has mentioned how he wants the team to be collaborative in their processes, but Harbaugh may ask for more control than a first-time coach would. This could impact general manager Chris Grier’s role, and the team’s commitment to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Obviously, none of that has been made clear by Harbaugh to this point, but he’s the best option for the job, and Miami should do whatever they need to bring him in.

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Dolphins will interview Mike McDaniel for the second time on Monday

The 49ers’ offensive coordinator will meet with the team for a second time.

The Miami Dolphins are nearing the end of their search for a new head coach, as they’re down to two finalists – Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McDaniel will have his second interview with the Dolphins on Monday. At this point, most of McDaniel’s focus is likely on the 49ers’ NFC Championship matchup Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams.

While Kyle Shanahan is obviously the architect of the offense, the 38-year-old offensive coordinator has received some credit for the jump that wide receiver Deebo Samuel made this year due to his involvement in the running game.

McDaniel has become a viral sensation over the last few weeks with his comedic personality and clear football intelligence. Dolphins fans across social media appear to want him as their next head coach. This meeting Monday could seal that fate.

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4 things to know about Dolphins head coach finalist Mike McDaniel

McDaniel could very well end up as the head coach in Miami.

The Miami Dolphins are nearing a conclusion to their coaching search with second interviews expected to be conducted in the following week. The team has two finalists for the position since the third, former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, was hired to become the head coach of the New York Giants on Friday.

Miami’s finalists are Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

With a hiring likely taking place in the next week or so, now would be an appropriate time as any to get to know these coaches just a little bit more. Here are four things to know about McDaniel.

Giants are hiring Dolphins head coach candidate Brian Daboll

Now, they’re down to two candidates.

After NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport reported Friday that the Dolphins had submitted a request for a second interview with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, he appears to have just gotten a new job.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New York Giants are hiring Daboll to be the next head coach of their franchise.

Many believed that Daboll was the favorite to land the job in Miami, as he had previously worked with quarterback Tua Tagoavailoa at Alabama and had great success turning an up-and-down Josh Allen into a potential MVP candidate.

The Dolphins are now down to just two candidates for their open position, including Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

It’s likely that both will meet with the team next week, and one could be hired just after that.

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