Comedian Dan Soder had a rather muted response to the Miami Dolphins terminating his friend, head coach Mike McDaniel, following a disappointing 7-10 season.
On a recent episode of his podcast, “Soda,” Soder referred to Dolphins owner Stephen Ross as an “old man” and suggested that Troy Aikman, an ESPN analyst who’s been brought in as an unpaid advisor during Miami’s search for a general manager, played a role in McDaniel’s dismissal.
“Honestly, I think it’s better that way…I don’t see it as a solid organization,” Soder remarked, noting that McDaniel has been a friend of his since seventh grade.
“It’s run by that old dude who turned on Mike after saying he’d be okay for another year. The Dolphins… they’re also not great,” he added.
McDaniel was let go roughly 16 months after he received a three-year contract extension in August 2024. Over four seasons, he managed a record of 35-34 but did not secure a playoff win.
Soder, who also hosts on SiriusXM and is engaged to former ESPN star Katie Nolan, referred to Aikman as a “sh*t” regarding McDaniel while calling a game on “Monday Night Football.” He expressed his belief that Aikman was pivotal in McDaniel’s firing, suggesting that viewers notice when broadcasters are biased—for or against specific teams or coaches.
“Having friends who coach in the NFL makes you pay more attention when people talk about them. Aikman has criticized McDaniel fiercely, implying things like, ‘He hates Mike,'” Soder noted.
Aikman’s critique was particularly sharp regarding Miami’s late-game tactics in a December 15 loss to the Steelers, which he described as “bizarre,” especially given their lack of urgency in a 28-15 defeat.
“They don’t rush. Now they’re rushing and calling timeouts. It’s just hard to understand their philosophy,” Aikman commented during the game.
Soder also commended McDaniel for his commitment to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is now seeking a new team after being benched during the final three games of the season.
“McDaniel’s firing might be linked to his loyalty to Tua, but I view that as a testament to his character,” Soder said. “As a friend, I appreciate that he stayed loyal, and I hope any quarterback on his future teams recognizes that dedication.”
McDaniel, now 42, interviewed for the Browns’ head coaching position on Monday and has former connections with the franchise, having served as their receivers coach in 2014. He is also scheduled to interview with the Titans and is expected to be considered for the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator role.
