Black Monday has extended into Thursday as the Miami Dolphins have parted ways with head coach Mike McDaniel after a 35-33 record over four seasons. McDaniel led the team to the playoffs in his second year with an 11-6 record, but the last two seasons have seen disappointing outcomes, finishing at 8-9 and 7-10, respectively. A rough start to this season probably sealed his fate. While the Dolphins showed competitiveness in the latter part of the season, it seemed that McDaniel could still have a chance to retain his position.
Now, though, change is in the air, and the Dolphins are on the hunt for a new head coach. Let’s explore some potential candidates who might step in for the organization.
John Harbaugh (former Ravens head coach)
One reason Dolphins owner Stephen Ross might have decided to let McDaniel go could be a recent move by the Ravens to bring in Harbaugh. While it’s normal for a coach to have choices about which teams to join, I wonder if the Dolphins’ position is all that attractive. With Tua Tagovailoa’s hefty contract and the team’s current cap issues, turning Miami around seems quite the task. Still, Ross has a connection to the Harbaugh family, which might make this a feasible option if the money and location align. If Harbaugh wants the job, he could likely get it.
Vance Joseph (Broncos defensive coordinator)
The Dolphins seem inclined to pursue a head coach with more experience, someone who can establish a strong culture in the locker room. I think they might be looking for a more serious figure than McDaniel. Joseph fits that bill. He’s got head coaching experience and his defense at Denver led the team to the top seed in the AFC. The Dolphins definitely need to bolster their defense and speed up their game. Of course, a new quarterback and possibly a complete roster makeover will also be on the agenda. While Joseph might not bring immediate change, his leadership could lend some much-needed credibility to a franchise that’s not had that for a while.
Kevin Stefanski (former Browns head coach)
Just like Harbaugh and Joseph, Stefanski brings experience in stabilizing teams that seem to be struggling. Though he leans more towards offense, he possesses the know-how to tackle many of the Dolphins’ challenges, having been at the helm of a faltering organization for six years. He’s also adept at delegating defensive responsibilities and identifying strong coaches and players.
Chris Shula (Rams defensive coordinator)
For understandable reasons, Shula’s name will pop up frequently as a candidate. As the grandson of the legendary Don Shula, he comes with a strong pedigree, and his success with the Rams’ defense, combined with a connection to Sean McVay’s offensive style, are certainly appealing traits. However, being younger might present a risk for some fans, but his family name and fresh energy could be a great fit for revitalizing a struggling team.
Jesse Minter (Chargers defensive coordinator)
If securing Harbaugh isn’t in the cards, there’s a chance the Dolphins could consider Harbaugh’s brother, who serves as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. The Dolphins are likely looking to hire a defensive-minded coach, and Minter is seen as a promising option. He succeeded Mike McDonald as DC at Michigan before following Jim Harbaugh to the Chargers, where he has shown particular strength in pass defense. While Ross may prefer someone with more experience, there are solid reasons for Minter’s appeal.
