McDaniel Ignores Pressure: “My focus is on the Dolphins, not my position”

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel expressed that he is not concerned about the security of his position, despite the 31-6 loss suffered on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, which led his team to a 1-6 record. Visibly disappointed, McDaniel spoke after the game at Huntington Bank Stadium, where the Dolphins recorded their worst start to the season since 2021.

The way I view this job is that I find it very offensive to all parties involved if I’m thinking about keeping the job; I need to be doing my job. Therefore, as long as I coach for the Miami Dolphins and this organization, they’ll get everything from me. And I refuse to spend my time thinking about [my job security]… You have a job, you do your job, and you do it the best you can.

Mike McDaniel

McDaniel noted that the players’ frustration during the season manifested against the Browns, leading to a difficult situation. Miami committed 11 penalties for 103 yards in the loss, both team highs since McDaniel was hired in 2022. They also turned the ball over four times, including three interceptions by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a fumble by returner Dee Eskridge. McDaniel hinted at possible personnel changes this week ahead of the Week 8 visit to Atlanta. The Dolphins’ coach added that all options will be analyzed, even if that means modifying the style of play.

Tagovailoa finished with 12 of 23 passes for 100 yards and three interceptions, earning a career low with a passer rating of 24.1. The quarterback admitted that his performance has not been up to par this season.

I’m definitely not happy, I’m not proud of where I am with my game, with how I’ve handled things this year. I know I have to be much better, and I’ve been better for the Miami Dolphins in previous years, but this isn’t previous years. This is this year, right? [I’m] trying to maneuver everything and trying to build a collection of guys to go with me, and I have to be able to multitask, if that makes sense?

Tua Tagovailoa

Before this season, 154 teams in the Super Bowl era started with a 1-6 record; only the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals made the playoffs. Linebacker Bradley Chubb stated that the Miami locker room remains united and believes it’s still possible to turn the season around. The team will seek to make the necessary changes to improve its performance in the coming weeks.