Patriots’ Rival Expected To Retain Head Coach Despite Failed Season

The Miami Dolphins have had a disappointing season, while the New England Patriots have surged in Mike Vrabel’s first season as the head coach.

However, after two straight seasons of missing the playoffs and watching the Patriots thrive after a coaching change, the Dolphins are not expected to fire Mike McDaniel, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport on Sunday.

“Our understanding is, McDaniel, barring some sort of surprise, is expected back next season,” Rapoport said on Sunday. “This is someone who does have the support of owner Stephen Ross. Remember, he extended him, and the two are close. The Dolphins organization does want McDaniel to succeed, and believes that he can do it.”

McDaniel signed an extension before the 2024 season that set him up to be the Dolphins coach through 2028. However, after a strong start to his tenure, his team has failed to make any noise in the last two years.

The AFC East is a competitive division. The Patriots and Buffalo Bills both look like contenders, and the Dolphins have not consistently looked like a team built to compete with them. Despite a subpar season, the Dolphins have had moments where they look like a solid team, and that seems to be enough for the organization to stick with McDaniel.

Meanwhile, the Patriots changed head coaches last offseason and are reaping the benefits. The Patriots can clinch a playoff berth with a win on Sunday, while the Dolphins are already thinking about next season. It must be difficult to look at a rival having success with a new head coach and stick with McDaniel, but that’s what the Dolphins are doing.

The Dolphins may think McDaniel has been held back by quarterback play. Rapoport noted that the team is not expected to bring back Tua Tagovailoa. He has also been benched for the Dolphins’ matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.