The Miami Dolphins face a critical offseason as they search for a new general manager and address a pressing quarterback question. After finishing the 2023 season with a disappointing record of 7-10, head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledges he must deliver better results to secure his position moving forward. “I was hired to return a storied franchise to winning regular-season games, playoff games, and Super Bowls,” McDaniel stated on Monday.
While McDaniel’s job appears safe for now, he has yet to receive any formal assurances from team owner Stephen Ross. Despite the uncertainty following the Dolphins’ consecutive playoff misses, McDaniel emphasizes his commitment to the organization and its goals. “Every day that I’m employed by the Miami Dolphins as the head coach, I’m solely focused on doing what I was hired here to do,” he said.
General Manager Search and Future Plans
The Dolphins parted ways with long-time general manager Chris Grier on October 31, following a loss to the Baltimore Ravens that left the team with a dismal 2-7 record. Since then, senior personnel executive Champ Kelly has stepped in as interim general manager. The franchise has enlisted the help of Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman in its search for a permanent replacement. McDaniel confirmed he will be involved in the interview process, emphasizing the need for a unified approach moving forward.
“I think the main objective… is that we have a cohesive crew of people that are working in the same direction,” McDaniel explained. “It’s not my decision to make, nor do I think that would be an intelligent way to go about business.”
As they search for a new general manager, the Dolphins also face a significant decision regarding their quarterback situation. Following a tumultuous season, Tua Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games due to inconsistent performance. McDaniel announced there will be a competition to determine Miami’s starting quarterback for 2026 and plans to meet with Tagovailoa soon to discuss the season.
Tagovailoa threw for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns but struggled with accuracy and mobility, finishing second in the NFL with a career-high 15 interceptions. His contract guarantees him $54 million for the 2026 season, but releasing him would result in a substantial $99 million dead cap charge. If designated as a post-June 1 release, this charge would be split over two years, with $67.4 million against the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.
Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers also saw action as Miami’s starter, going 1-2 and throwing for 569 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Dolphins recently signed rookie sixth-round pick Cam Miller off the Raiders’ practice squad to bolster their quarterback competition.
Addressing Key Contracts and Player Retention
In addition to the quarterback situation, the Dolphins must navigate the future of star receiver Tyreek Hill. Currently recovering from a severe knee injury, Hill is set to earn approximately $29.9 million next season, with $11 million of that becoming guaranteed after the start of the new league year. Releasing Hill would lead to a $51.9 million cap hit, making his contract a significant consideration for the new general manager.
Despite the challenges, McDaniel remains optimistic about the team’s direction. He does not see the organization heading towards a complete rebuild, stating that there are core players in place to build around. These include running back De’Von Achane, left tackle Patrick Paul, center Aaron Brewer, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who led the NFL with 183 tackles this past season.
Several players set to hit free agency have expressed interest in returning to the Dolphins. Veteran tight end Darren Waller, who came out of retirement to join Miami on a one-year deal, caught six touchdowns but played only nine games due to injuries. Waller is currently undecided about his future but is considering returning to the Dolphins.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins hold the 11th pick in the upcoming NFL draft. With a new general manager in place, the franchise is expected to approach free agency more proactively than they did last year.
As McDaniel and Ross prepare to meet again later this week to discuss the organization’s future, McDaniel recognizes the urgency of the situation. “We’re not just dismissing this season as, ‘Oops, we’ll try again,’” he said. The focus now shifts to building a competitive team capable of ending the Dolphins’ prolonged playoff drought.
