To say that the Miami Dolphins are going through a bit of a crisis right now might be a huge understatement.
However, there won’t be any big moves, at least for now.
Mike McDaniel wasn’t fired, contrary to popular belief, and he’s sticking with Tua Tagovailoa.
The head coach recently provided some insight into his relationship with his starting quarterback heading into their Week 8 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
“I think there’s zero uncertainty in Tua in my belief in him. I think we’re both eager to do better at our jobs and we’re both trusting in each other to respond to do what’s necessary for the team to do better,” McDaniel said.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel on his current relationship with Tua Tagovailoa:
"I think there's zero uncertainty in Tua in my belief in him. I think we're both eager to do better at our jobs and we're both trusting in each other to respond to do what's necessary for the team to do…
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) October 22, 2025
There were many reasons to wonder whether the duo had reached a breaking point.
McDaniel benched Tagovailoa late in their Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns after watching him throw three interceptions, and he later said he would assess all the players who were negatively affecting the team.
Also, Tagovalioa’s incendiary comments about teammates showing up late to meetings hinted at a division in the locker room and a lack of trust in leadership.
An inability to protect the quarterback has been a massive factor in Miami’s struggles, but Tagovailoa’s decision-making and arm limitations have also been valid talking points.
The Dolphins entered the season with playoff aspirations, yet they have one win after seven games, against the New York Jets.
So, even if Tagovailoa and McDaniel manage to hold on to their jobs for a little longer, it looks like this team is headed for major changes this offseason.
NEXT: Mike McDaniel Reveals Expectation For Tua Tagovailoa In Week 8
