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Marcel Louis-JacquesESPN
MIAMI — The drama surrounding Miami Dolphins organization didn’t deter Mike McDaniel.
The Dolphins’ new head coach spoke to the media about his dream job, speaking out for the first time since Feb. 6. He praised Stephen Ross, Dolphins owner for his determination to win, despite the allegations of Brian Flores (ex-head coach) that Ross offered him $100,000 to lose every game in 2019.
McDaniel stated Thursday that there were no red flags. He said this because he was entering an organization with a boss who I believe doesn’t give credit to his employees. “The owner of Miami is a lucky man. He doesn’t care if he wins or loses. This is what you need as a coach.
“So, red flags?” There are no red flags in my area.
McDaniel, a former offensive coordinator for the 49ers, is coming to Miami as a head coach. He has been with the team for five seasons in San Francisco where he was credited with his creativity and innovative play design.
Ross claimed McDaniel has been called a “genius”, and that McDaniel received calls from NFC West coaches who praised McDaniel’s football skills but ultimately wanted him to leave the division.
ESPN was told by a source from the league that Los Angeles RamsSean McVay, coach Green Bay PackersCoach Matt LaFleur was among those who called Ross and vouch for McDaniel.
Ross established a hierarchy of command for Dolphins. McDaniel will report directly to Chris Grier, general manager, who will then report to Ross, and Tom Garfinkel, CEO. McDaniel claimed that working with Grier is one of the highlights of his job.
McDaniel said that Grier is not interested in ego or an agenda. He is looking for a coach who can create a strong bond that surpasses the bonds of others. He wants to unite as a team.”
McDaniel said he would have some input in personnel decisions, suggesting that Grier didn’t like to be shut out. McDaniel confirmed that the Dolphins will use a “unique design that is tailored to our players” for their offensive, defensive, and special team schematics. McDaniel said that he intends to call offensive plays.
McDaniel was not the primary play-caller in San Francisco, despite his role as offensive coordinator. However, a league source said that McDaniel called plays periodically towards the end of the season. He said that he learned a lot from 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan about Miami’s play calling process.
He said, “One thing that I have noticed is that successful play-callers don’t isolate themselves. They use the people around them.” “If you are a head coach calling plays, it is important to feel good about your offensive staff.”
McDaniel is the offensive guru who takes over an offense that was ranked 22nd for total offense in 2021.
He also inherits quarterback, the fifth-overall selection in 2020. Tua TagovailoaMcDaniel, who is coming off an injury-riddled first season. McDaniel spoke out about Tagovailoa, describing him as a player “trying hard to get better,” but insisting that he is ultimately part the team.
“I’m not worried about how Tua can do,” he stated. “I care about, as a group, how we can grow together because that is what wins. It’s my job ensure that he has the best chance of displaying his talents.
Miami has had its best two-year stretch in terms of wins since 2003, with 19 victories over the past two seasons. However, the Dolphins haven’t reached the playoffs since 2016, haven’t won any playoff games since 2000, and haven’t been crowned the AFC East champion since 2008.
Ross called Thursday “exciting”, stating that it brings the Dolphins one step closer to ending the droughts.
“We look forward to” [McDaniel]Ross explained that Ross was happy to work with them and help create a Super Bowl-winning team. “First, we have to win our conference and division. That’s what Ross said. We always wanted a team that could win consistently.”