The Miami Dolphins sacked head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday, ending his four-season reign.
The Dolphins started the 2025 season with six losses in seven games, dismissed general manager Chris Grier in October, and owner Stephen Ross opted to delay a decision on McDaniel until after the season.
Miami finished with a 7-10 record.
McDaniel, 42, posted a 35-33 record with a pair of post-season appearances in his first two years with the team. He signed a three-year contract extension in August 2024.
The departure of McDaniel represents the eighth NFL coaching change since the conclusion of the regular season.
The Dolphins have yet to contact former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh about the position. Ross has ties to the Harbaugh family.
Ross met with McDaniel earlier this week to discuss the season before making his decision on Thursday.
"After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organiSation is in need of comprehensive change," Ross said in a statement.
"I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment, and the energy he brought to our organiSation. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best moving forward."
Multiple media outlets reported the Dolphins plan to hire a general manager by Friday as the precursor to searching for McDaniel's successor.
Elsewhere, Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles told the Tampa Bay Times that he will be returning for the 2026 season, the newspaper reported.
Bowles led the franchise to NFC South titles in each of his first three seasons as coach, but Tampa Bay missed the play-offs in 2025 with an 8-9 record.
Bowles has a 35-33 record in four seasons and stands 1-3 in the post-season. He is under contract with the Buccaneers through the 2028 season.
