Coaching in the NFL: Troy Aikman’s Perspective

It’s no secret that coaching in the NFL can be incredibly challenging. Just ask Troy Aikman, who recently shared his thoughts during a radio appearance in Dallas, reflecting on his Hall of Fame career.

Aikman expressed some confusion over the ongoing appeal of coaching in the league. He mentioned Sean McVay’s flirtation with leaving coaching for a TV role after winning the Super Bowl, noting how many coaches and officials have transitioned to broadcasting. “It’s really tough work these days,” he said. “Honestly, I’ve said it before—I’m not sure why anyone would want to coach. Yet, people still do.”

Interestingly, Aikman is reportedly lending a hand in the search for a new head coach for the Miami Dolphins. Adding to the drama, there’s speculation that Mike Tomlin might consider a move to television after his long tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On the management side, the Dolphins’ owner sought input from an “outside, respected figure” to guide the search for a new general manager, following the firing of Chris Grier, who had been with the organization since 2000 and general manager since 2016. Last month, head coach Mike McDaniel made headlines by benching Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers, arguing that the change would give the team a better shot at winning.

Recently, owner Stephen Ross decided to part ways with McDaniel after the Dolphins ended the season with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Though McDaniel’s first two seasons saw the team reach the playoffs, both ended in first-round exits. This past season took a turn for the worse, as Tagovailoa struggled and was benched during the last three games.

In one of McDaniel’s final decisions, he set the stage for a quarterback competition for the 2026 season. Tagovailoa later remarked that it felt “great” to have a chance for a “fresh start.”