![Mike McDaniel Dolphins]()
You never know what sort of gems are on the absent agenda at a
Mike McDaniel press conference. The Miami Dolphins head coach is nothing if not a loquacious football brainiac with uncanny comedic sensibilities and a keen sense of time.
McDaniel is, like, Christopher Nolan levels obsessed with time and attention to detail. Go through any number of his media sessions and you'll know that to be true. Whether it's the big watch he rocks as a fashion statement, or his awareness of how many exact days he spend away from the NFL early in his coaching career, he's hyper-aware of the immediacy of professional football. He relishes it.
That's why, in a classic McDaniel way, he's letting his locker room know just how important it is that Miami finally brings an end to its playoff strikeout streak this coming season. By starting meetings at 24 minutes past the hour, McDaniel is constantly reminding his players how many years it's been since they notched a postseason victory.
https://twitter.com/Marcel_LJ/status/1798757754011852815
https://twitter.com/KingOfPhinland/status/1798763677241541063
Talk about leaning into the outside noise. I think modern coaches like McDaniel are coming to realize that it's humanly impossible to ignore media narratives, what fans are saying on social media, and the reality of how bottom-line results-oriented the NFL is. Almost gone are the days of organizational patience and long-gestating rebuilds. We've seen
Nathaniel Hackett and Frank Reich fired before their first seasons were over as coaches in each of the last two years.
Beyond the obvious lack of playoff wins since 1999, this iteration of the Dolphins has no shortage of subplots about their shortcomings in the biggest moments. They've gone one-and-done in both postseasons under McDaniel. They blew a massive AFC East lead to Buffalo down the stretch of 2023. Franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is seeking a massive payday, yet questions linger due to a 1-6 record against winning teams since McDaniel took over. Even though Tua led the NFL in passing yards last season, many wonder if he's the man who can deliver the Dolphins a Super Bowl. That's something even an elite talent like Dan Marino couldn't do.
Every single year in the league is critical. For Miami in particular, it feels like such a significant, crossroads type of season. They're already over $5 million in the red salary cap-wise next season. Extensions for Tua and star safety Jevon Holland are on deck. The Fins are paying huge money as is to Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, Jalen Ramsey, Terron Armstead, and Jaylen Waddle among others.
Pressure makes diamonds, right? Isn't that the saying? Tua may or may not be the rare jewel that can lead a team to a Lombardi Trophy. We should know sooner rather than later — or at least know where the Dolphins stand based on how these contract negotiations go. Hard to think of a player under more pressure than Tua in 2024, as far as what it means for the future of his career. It's therefore a smart move by McDaniel to set the tone well in advance of training camp and let everyone know what the standard is. My hunch is Tua keeps progressing and returns Miami to the playoffs for at least one win to break the drought this time around. So uh...can the season start already?
https://twitter.com/FinsXtra/status/1798772953666277604
https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/1490799607856705536
