Latest Mike McDaniel Firing Rumors After Dolphins' Historic Loss vs. Gabriel, Browns

The Miami Dolphins reportedly were hoping to avoid making major changes during the 2025 season, but Sunday's disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns could be the last straw for head coach Mike McDaniel.

During Monday's episode of SportsCenter, ESPN's Adam Schefter explained that the Dolphins' patient approach likely changed after the team fell to 1-6 with an abysmal 31-6 loss against a Browns squad that was starting rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

"I can tell you that the organization had been planning, and I emphasize the word planning, not to make any changes and didn't want to do anything. Now, we'll see whether they stick to that or whether one of the worst losses in franchise history, and I think I can call it that safely, would change their plans," Schefter said.

However, Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport later reported that the Dolphins aren't expected to make changes at this point:

McDaniel was already on the hot seat entering the 2025 season, but the team's regression this year could signify the end of his tenure in Miami. The play of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been particularly concerning, as he threw for just 100 yards and three interceptins in Sunday's loss before being benched for rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers.

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Schefter added that it appears to be an inevitability that McDaniel will be out of a job, but the only question is when will the franchise make that decision.

"Look, I think everybody knows the pressure that the organization is under. I think everybody knows that there are going to be changes that come to the organization," he said. "The question is how soon do they come and does ownership decide to make any sort of change today? After the game yesterday, the plan was no. But I would say last week the Titans also were not planning any changes and then they wound up firing their head coach on Monday. And sometimes owners want certain things done."

Still, Schefter noted that Miami's philosophy has been patience, so there's a chance that McDaniel gets to finish the season. He will focus on preparing the team for next Sunday's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, but another loss would surely exasperate things further.

"Again, their thinking all along has been to be patient and to wait before making any changes," Schefter said.