In just his first year as head coach, Mike McDaniel was able to turn the Miami Dolphins into a legitimate playoff threat and he is poised to build on that success heading into 2023.
Coming from the Kyle Shanahan system, McDaniel has been able to successfully marry the run game with his passing attack, a deadly combination for any NFL defense.
Tua Tagovailoa went from a suspected bust to a quality starting quarterback under McDaniel, while the star receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle is one of the most potent one-two punches in the NFL.
As for the run game, McDaniels leaned on a committee approach featuring different running backs like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.
Miami went out and drafted De’Von Achane in order to bolster the running back room, though the team was reportedly interested in trading for Jonathan Taylor.
When asked about the prospect of adding Taylor, McDaniels emphasized the thought never seriously crossed his mind via Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel, asked about Jonathan Taylor, said he’s spent “zero time” on it except when he’s asked about it in press conference. He’s now said twice he only thinks about players via trade like that when it gets serious and GM Chris Grier brings it across his table. pic.twitter.com/5GbH7cDyKt
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 29, 2023
Taylor surprisingly became available this summer after the Indianapolis Colts refused to initiate contract extension negotiations.
The Colts star is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal and is eligible to sign an extension though teams this offseason have been stingy about paying players in the backfield.
Although Taylor would’ve made an excellent addition to the Dolphins roster, Indianapolis is instead going to keep him as no trade materialized.
For now, Miami will have to make do with what they have which should still be enough to compete.
NEXT: Analyst Shares Concern On Jonathan Taylor Potentially Joining Dolphins
