Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is reportedly ready to consider firing head coach Mike McDaniel after Miami’s humiliating 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. On September 10, sources said Ross could pull the plug if the team fails to show competitiveness over the next six to seven games.

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McDaniel, 42, holds a 28-24 record over four seasons and is 0-2 in the playoffs, making him one of the NFL’s most scrutinized young coaches.

 

 

The Colts dominated early, running 70 offensive plays compared to Miami’s 46 and outgaining the Dolphins 418-211. The decisive factor, however, was turnovers. Indianapolis forced three, including two interceptions and a fumble recovery. McDaniel noted:

“In the National Football League, when you’re minus-three plus a turnover on downs, you run into the kicker – across the board, that’s not a formula. That formula is for failure and nothing else. And I think there was a lot of preparation for Week 1, and I don’t think it looked it.”

QB Tua Tagovailoa echoed the need for accountability:

“We’re going to take our loss…There’s a lot of things we need to look at. We need to look in the mirror…It starts with me, and I think as a team collectively, this was something we were trying to avoid.”

Defensively, LB duo Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson combined for 27 tackles. Brooks posted 14, his highest since Nov. 2022 with the Seahawks. Only once since 2000 have two Dolphins had 13+ tackles in a game.

Looking ahead, McDaniel stressed learning from the defeat before facing the New Emgland Patriots at home.

“The way we lost probably is an overall better way to learn an absolute lesson that never changes…get ready for our next opponent – home game against the New England Patriots. They’re not going to feel sorry for us in the least, nor should they.”

The Dolphins now face mounting pressure to rebound quickly or risk major changes under Stephen Ross.

Rex Ryan Slams Stephen Ross’ Dolphins’ Effort, Questions Locker Room Respect for Mike McDaniel

Jul 28, 2025; Miami Gardens, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shouts during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan didn’t hold back on September 10 when assessing the Dolphins’ performance on ESPN’s Get Up.

“Maybe he’s on a different level, McGenius Guy, whatever the hell he is. Nerd boy. Their team has no respect for their coach. They play like that. They’re soft,” Ryan said.

 

Ryan’s critique echoes concerns raised last offseason when CB Jalen Ramsey, traded from Miami to Pittsburgh, highlighted team culture:

“Let’s go to a team where there’s a lot of respect for the head coach,” Ramsey told CBS Sports.

Now, Miami faces pressure to respond quickly. Another poor outing could validate critics like Ryan and raise questions about McDaniel’s influence in the locker room.