Tag: Mike McDaniel

Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb are ‘absolutely attacking’ their rehab

Mike McDaniel said the Dolphins had to mandate a week off for Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb “because they literally live” at rehab.

The Miami Dolphins finished third in the NFL in sacks last season with 56, but there are more questions than answers about the team’s stable of pass rushers right now.

In addition to losing Christian Wilkins in free agency, the Dolphins’ top two edge rushers are working to come back from serious injuries that ended their 2023 season. For Jaelan Phillips, it was a gruesome Achilles tear suffered a day after Thanksgiving. For Bradley Chubb, it was an ACL tear on New Year’s Eve.

At the NFL’s annual meeting last week, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel gave an update on Phillips and Chubb. While he was unwilling to provide reporters with a timeline for their respective recoveries, he spoke glowingly about the effort and tenacity the duo have put into rehab.

“Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are extreme versions of, ‘Hey, we need to make sure they aren’t chasing a timeline because as competitors, they will achieve that timeline and it might be at the worst for their bodies,’” McDaniel said. “So relative to timelines, we specifically don’t have those for those two. We’ve had to mandate that they have a week off of rehab just recently, both of them, because they literally live there.

“They have a pseudo-tape on the floor parking spots for their little scooters that they’ve graduated from. They’re both really doing exactly what you’d expect from those two individuals, which is absolutely attacking that process, but doing it from a perspective that they don’t want to get healthy for one week, they want to get healthy for the whole season.”

In February, Phillips shared video of himself walking without a boot for the first time since surgery. Later that month, he told reporters at a charity event that he “feels strong and feels great.”

With the team’s top duo of rushers both recovering from injury and Andrew Van Ginkel joining the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, the Dolphins signed two-time sack artist Shaquil Barrett to provide a boost. It wouldn’t be a surprise either if the team used an early draft pick to bolster its pass rush.

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Mike McDaniel’s comments about Julio Jones further prove why the WR should be in the Hall of Fame

Mike McDaniel knows just how special Julio Jones was in his prime.

As Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel pushes the NFL forward with his unique pre-snap concepts and utilization of speedy wide receivers, it’s easy to forget he worked with one of the best offensive players of a generation early in his coaching career.

McDaniel was an assistant on the legendary 2016 Atlanta Falcons offensive staff that featured Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur, Raheem Morris, Bobby Turner and Mike LaFleur scheming up one of the best scoring offenses of the decade.

The fixture of that offensive attack was wide receiver Julio Jones, a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer who Shanahan featured as an unstoppable force during his time calling plays in Atlanta.

While the past couple of seasons might’ve clouded Jones’ absolute dominance on the field for some, McDaniel had no trouble remembering the time the NFL veteran receiver torched the Carolina Panthers secondary to the tune of 300 yards while speaking with This Is Football’s Kevin Clark.

However, the touchdown catch that McDaniel referenced, one where Jones mossed Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and hauled it to the end zone, actually happened in 2015, Jones’ first year in a Shanahan offense.

One of the game’s brightest minds reminiscing over just how special Jones was at his peak is yet another reminder for why the former Falcons superstar might be one of the most underappreciated players ever at his position.

For starters, Jones was one of the four wideouts to make the NFL’s All-Decade Team alongside Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson and Antonio Brown.

He also led the entire NFL for the 2010s in yardage (12,125), was first in receiving yards per game (96.2), was third in receptions (797), was fifth in targets per game (15.2) and was 11th in total touchdowns (57).

If not for that whole 28-3 blown lead business, Jones’ Super Bowl 51 catch would be more immortalized as one of the greatest-ever in the big game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSirjCbbP1c

Heck, all you really need to do is watch Jones’ NFC championship game performance against the Green Bay Packers in 2017 to know just how game-changing of a talent that he was.

As McDaniels put, Jones was just doing things that defied expectations in his prime. He really is one of the best receivers to ever play in the NFL, and he deserves to be talked about as such.

A gold jacket and an eternal spot in Canton should await him once his career is over, though we’re curious if he’ll try to play another season to chase that elusive Super Bowl ring.

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Dolphins salary-cap restraints won’t keep them away from Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami’s HC says they gave star WR an offer.

This was a bit of a reset offseason for the Miami Dolphins.

That’s not much of a secret, considering they were unable to retain a number of key free agents, including Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt and Andrew Van Ginkel, who all left for better deals that Miami was willing to offer.

At the annual league meetings, head coach Mike McDaniel admitted the team has been working within the parameters set by the league’s salary cap.

“It all comes back to the fact that there’s a finite salary cap,” McDaniel said (transcribed by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel). “And sometimes, we can’t be the kid spending the money. We have to be the parents that have to look at our budget and make sure we can pay the water bill.”

Still, the parents sometimes want to get that dessert or that new toy. For Miami, that luxury right now is wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who the team had in for a visit last week.

“Things went great with him,” McDaniel said on Monday. “We did make him an offer, and business takes time, especially with players such as Odell, who’s had a phenomenal career, still has really good football in front of him and has options. So, I think those conversations will be ongoing. We’ll see where they go.”

Behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins lack experience at the position. At the moment, the rest of the room is filled by Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Erik Ezukanma, Braylon Sanders, Anthony Schwartz and Mathew Sexton.

Beckham, despite clearly not being the same player he was during his early years with the New York Giants partially due to age and injuries, could still bring a lot to Miami’s offense.

Last season, the three-time Pro Bowler recorded 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns. Cedrick Wilson Jr. held the third receiver role for the Dolphins last season and brought in just 22 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns.

Mike McDaniel playfully (and unsuccessfully) kept the cameras off himself during NFL combine coverage

Mike McDaniel is a funny guy.

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has established himself as one of the funniest coaches in the NFL, and his on-camera appearance during this week’s NFL combine proved as much.

As the NFL Network camera crew panned over to McDaniel watching the day’s testing, he playfully told the camera to stop cutting over to him and looked similarly “annoyed” once it went back to him later in the broadcast.

You can always count on McDaniel to lighten the mood, and this was yet another example of why he’s become one of the more beloved personalities in the game since joining Miami as its head coach.

McDaniel will likely find some of his future players at this year’s NFL combine, and it’s always fun when he’s able to interject his personality into moments like this.

Most coaches probably won’t engage with the camera crews, but McDaniel had his routine down pat once he realized he was on the broadcast.

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Dolphins Challenge Cancer rides to major victory over weekend

Dolphins Challenge Cancer raises over $12 million.

The 2024 NFL offseason is underway, yet, over the weekend at Hard Rock Stadium, One Team came together for One Fight, which is more important than what you can find on a scoreboard or boxscore.

Dolphins Challenge Cancer held its 14th annual event on Saturday, and it was a massive hit. The DCC stands as the largest fundraising event in the NFL and represents the largest known philanthropic pledge in all professional sports.

The #OneTeamOneFight mentality has the Miami Dolphins partnered with the University of Miami and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as thousands of participants and donors.

Thanks to the outstanding efforts by the Dolphins organization, the DCC, as well as countless fans who helped this cause with their fundraising and awareness efforts. Most notably for many, superfan Lisa Siegel. Siegel has always been a die-hard Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes fan and her ties to both organizations run in her family. Her father began working at the University of Miami in 1966, and she followed in her dad’s footsteps, as she’s worked for the university since 1989.

Her connection to the DCC deepened when her mom was diagnosed with stage IV Peritoneal Cancer. Siegel lost her mother just 17 days after she was admitted to the hospital. She is one of the many “Heavy-Hitter” fundraisers, and she alone was responsible for raising over $26,000 for this year from 530 donations, in part of the $12 million total that was raised this DCC to combat cancer.

Whether it was riding a bike, running, or walking to support this cause, the Miami Dolphins family was in full force, with ownership, current and former players, and, of course, a Hall of Famer or two.

Sending the bikers off on the 54-mile ride was none other than number 54 himself, Zach Thomas. Miami’s latest enshrine to Canton, as well as fellow immortals Dan Marino, Larry Csonka and Jason Taylor, all had their respective numbers match certain legs of the rides, those being 13 miles, 39 miles and 99 miles.

To no surprise, Thomas was dressed, ready to ride and among the best finishers. He even had time to mess around with unrestricted free-agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Following the rides, Thomas and Wilkins laughed it up, as participants had a chance to relax after their rides and mingle with Dolphins past and present.

Of course, the metaphorical elephant in the room is what will happen with Wilkins contractually. While that is a conversation for another piece, seeing Wilkins participate was not just encouraging for his potential return but also a testament to the quality person he is.

The same can be said about former Dolphin Mack Hollins, who again participated as a bike rider, as he did last year. Recently let go defensive assistant coach and Dolphins legend Sam Madison also rode in support on Saturday. Legendary wide receiver Mark Duper returned to the event while owner Stephen Ross, president Tom Garfinkel and head coach Mike McDaniel were all on hand as well.

If you’re looking for inspiration and motivation on top of all of this dedication, look no further than Jaelan Phillips. The edge rusher who suffered a torn Achilles against the New York Jets on Black Friday in November was at the DCC, walking, talking and being the fantastic person he has proven to be.

Phillips stopped by to chat with Dolphin podcasters Seth Levit of “The Fish Tank” and Travis Wingfield of “DriveTime,” and his mere presence was a jolt of energy for Dolphin fans eagerly waiting for his return to the field.

Levit summed up the conversation, saying, “Jaelan is truly a special individual. Because of his upbringing, as well as the adversity he’s had to face with respect to overcoming some significant injuries, we’re seeing a guy with a much broader perspective than most people have at 24 years old. As a result, you’ve got a young player who is one of the most gifted and relentlessly driven athletes you will find on a football field, yet he somehow manages to bring that same energy to his work in the community. It’s uncanny, and we are all very lucky to have him representing the Miami Dolphins.”

In regards to the DCC, Levit added, “This year’s DCC was electric. Thousands of people flooded Hard Rock Stadium for one altruistic reason, and it was a beautiful sight. From the F1 starting line to the integration of the Paddock garages to seeing Dan Marino, Zach Thomas, of course, my guy O.J. McDuffie, and so many others come together for a singular purpose was inspirational, to say the least. How can we not appreciate the Miami Dolphins for building the largest fundraising event in the entire National Football League?”

Through all the fundraising and awareness, the DCC could be looked at as one of sports most successful and important philanthropic events and entities. The 2024 DCC increased that overall fundraising total to over $75 million since the event began in 2010, and kudos to Executive Director Javier Sanchez and his team within a team.

In addition to Siegel, pillars of the event like past Fans of the Year, Ian Berger, Marc Angelo and Allie Goodman were present and integral in helping spread awareness and are constant supporters and advocates of the DCC and all things Dolphins philanthropy. Also in attendance was the founder of one of the top fan groups in this base, Danny Johnson of The Positive Porpoise.

Berger, who represented the Dolphins as 2020 Fan of the Year and continues to be a beacon for this fanbase, is a consistent advocate of the DCC. “Dolphins Challenge Cancer represents the best in all of us,” he said in a direct message. “Thousands of participants raising funds that could potentially help millions is an emotional and rewarding experience!”

Angelo, the 2021 Dolphins Fan of the Year, heads the NorCal DolFan Club, a proud fundraiser for DCC riding for Team Positive Porpoise. He said, “TPP is almost to $71,000 raised this year and $280,000+ in the four years supporting DCC.” The NDC has supported DCC for nine years and has been on Team TPP for the last three years, riding in the event.

Goodman, the 2022 FOTY for the Dolphins, also known as “Dolphreaky,” said, “The way this community comes together in the fight against cancer is second to none! To see people from all walks of life riding and walking amongst those who have fought and actively fight cancer is so rewarding.”

A great advocate of the team and their endeavors, Goodman added, “The Miami Dolphins did an absolutely fantastic job creating a top-notch event that was even better than in years past. The DCC continues to grow every year, and everyone should consider getting involved!”

In a sport where wins and losses on the field judge success, sometimes, the best victories come off the field. In the case of the Miami Dolphins and the DCC, 2024 was another major win.

Congratulations to the Dolphins, Sanchez, the DCC, as a whole, and all who participated.

Mike Shanahan’s impressive coaching tree continues to bear fruit

Mike Shanahan’s coaching staff in Washington included Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris, now all HCs.

Mike Shanahan’s coaching tree continues to branch out, and each branch is bearing fruit.

As has been well documented, Shanahan built an impressive coaching staff in Washington in 2013 that included Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris.

Kyle Shanahan, Mike’s son, was Washington’s offensive coordinator in 2013. The younger Shanahan is now the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and he has reached his second Super Bowl since 2019. The 49ers have also made the NFC championship game in four of the last five seasons.

Matt Lafleur (Washington’s quarterbacks coach in 2013) has served as the Green Bay Packers’ head coach since 2019. He has reached the playoffs four times in his first five seasons, including two appearances in the NFC title game.

Sean McVay (Washington’s former tight ends coach) has been the Los Angeles Rams’ head coach since 2017. He has made the playoffs five times in seven seasons and won Super Bowl LVI in 2021.

Mike McDaniel (Washington’s wide receivers coach in 2013) has served as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach since 2022. Miami has qualified for the playoffs in each of McDaniel’s first two seasons.

Raheem Morris (Washington’s former defensive backs coach) was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as their head coach this offseason.

A sixth assistant coach from Shanahan’s tree, Bobby Slowik, was also a head coach candidate this offseason, but he will remain an offensive coordinator with the Houston Texans in 2024. Slowik was a defensive assistant with Washington in 2013.

And before Shanahan went to Washington, his coaching staff with the Denver Broncos included Gary Kubiak, who later won a Super Bowl as head coach with the Broncos in 2015.

Shanahan won three Super Bowls, including two titles as head coach in Denver. Shanahan’s final season as a head coach did not go well in Washington as his team went 3-13, but elements of his offense are still seen across the NFL today and his coaching tree continues to have success.

Shanahan has been repeatedly passed over by Hall of Fame voters in the coach/contributor category. He should already be in the Hall of Fame. Here’s a quick list of Shanahan’s assistants who went on to become head coaches.

Mike McDaniel releases statement on hiring Anthony Weaver as Dolphins defensive coordinator

What the head coach had to say about the hiring of his new defensive coordinator.

On Saturday, the Miami Dolphins officially announced the hiring of Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver as their new defensive coordinator.

Weaver joins a strong coaching staff that is trying to help Miami earn their first postseason victory in over 20 seasons.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel released a statement through the team on Weaver’s hiring.

“I am excited to add Anthony to our staff, not only for what he will bring to the Dolphins as a teacher and coach, but even more so who he is as a leader of men,” McDaniel said. “He has a proven resume of success, but on his personal investment in his players. Most importantly, he shares our belief that player development is the cornerstone to both team building and sustained excellence. Through conversations with him and those who have worked with him, it became clear that we have aligned values in football philosophies and coaching.”

McDaniel and the team parted ways with Vic Fangio after one year, and many have reported that the team was looking for a more collaborative effort with their next defensive coordinator, and they’re hoping Weaver will bring just that.

Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel releases statement following Vic Fangio decision

What the HC had to say about the Dolphins parting with Vic Fangio.

The Miami Dolphins made a bit of a surprising move on Wednesday, as they announced that they’ve mutually agreed to part ways with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

Fangio joined Mike McDaniel’s staff this past offseason after the team moved on from Josh Boyer, who was a holdover from Brian Flores’ regime.

With the announcement of the move, the Dolphins also shared a statement from their head coach.

With many teams already conducting interviews for their open positions, Miami will have to get moving if they want the opportunity to bring in their top choice for the job.

Could another offensive-minded coach be on the Commanders’ radar?

Will Adam Peters expand his list of coaching candidates?

The Washington Commanders have a general manager. On Tuesday, Adam Peters was introduced to the Washington media, one day after signing a five-year contract to head the franchise’s football operations.

The next step for Washington and Peters is to find a head coach.

Last week, the Commanders requested permission to speak with seven potential head coaching candidates:

  • Lions OC Ben Johnson
  • Lions DC Aaron Glenn
  • Ravens DC Mike MacDonald
  • Ravens AHC/DL coach Anthony Weaver
  • Rams DC Raheem Morris
  • Cowboys DC Dan Quinn
  • Texans OC Bobby Slowik

Most of these candidates have either interviewed with Washington or will interview this week. Peters wasn’t yet hired when the Commanders interviewed MacDonald and Weaver, although he will be if there is another round of interviews.

Some consider Johnson to be Washington’s top target. What does that mean? Nothing. While the Commanders may like Johnson, he could get another offer with more money or more power and choose that offer. Or, Peters could meet with Johnson and decide to go in another direction.

It’s a bit early to claim a favorite.

With Peters now at the head of football operations, will he expand beyond the seven initial candidates?

Frank Smith is the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins were phenomenal on offense in 2023. However, Smith isn’t a household name because he doesn’t call plays. Head coach Mike McDaniels calls plays. But, Smith has quietly emerged in some places as a candidate. He’s scheduled at least two interviews for this cycle.

Could Peters bring the 42-year-old Smith in for an interview?

There are connections. While Smith has never worked in the same building as Peters, McDaniel worked in San Francisco for five seasons with Peters. McDaniel brought Smith to Miami in 2022.

While Smith has experience under McDaniel, Sean Payton gave him his first NFL job with the Saints back in 2010. He’s also worked for the Raiders under Jon Gruden. Payton and Gruden are highly respected offensive minds.

Ben Volin covers the NFL for The Boston Globe and is also hearing Johnson in connection to the Commanders. But he also brought up Smith’s name in a recent appearance on “The Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C.

“You look at how Harris runs some of his other teams, it’s the young, analytics-based guys, and Peters is 44 and comes from the organization that everyone wants to try to emulate right now,” Volin said via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“I gotta think that they’re gonna look for a similar profile with their head coach. It looks like they probably want a young, good-looking offensive coach. The two names that you keep hearing are Ben Johnson, who several teams want him, and then Frank Smith, the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, who has been getting a lot of buzz – I actually heard a few weeks ago that he might be the favorite in Washington – but I think it will come down to that type of coach. It’s a new day in Washington.”

If Peters and the Commanders do prefer Johnson, MacDonald, Slowik or any of the other coaches whose teams remain in the playoffs, he can take his time. That would favor someone like Smith having the chance to interview with Washington.

Will it happen? It seems unlikely, but Peters may view things differently based on feedback he’s received from others he trusts.

Tyreek Hill asks Dolphins fans to believe in Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa

The WR speaks about his team, coach and QB on Twitch.

For some, the end of the football season means a trip away to some tropical destination with sandy beaches and fruity drinks, but for someone like Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the offseason starts with a little gaming session on Twitch.

Miami’s star wideout began streaming on Monday, as he does every week while playing video games (mostly Fortnite), and, of course, he was asked his opinion on the end of the season.

Hill took that opportunity to tell Dolphins fans to support head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who he’s been a big advocate for since his arrival in South Florida.

Through two seasons, McDaniel and Tagovailoa have brought the team to more playoff appearances than any Dolphins coach-quarterback duo since Dave Wannstedt and Jay Fiedler led Miami to the postseason in 2000 and 2001.

They obviously have things to improve on this offseason, and they’ll have to win at least one postseason game before their detractors are swayed even a bit.