The Miami Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel as the 14th head coach in team history.
He will be taking over from Brian Flores, who had winning seasons in his last two years.
However, McDaniel brings a different atmosphere to the team that fans seem to like.
Fans hope that he will help end the team’s playoff win drought which dates back to 2000.
Aside from that possibility, here’s why the Dolphins faithful should feel thrilled about his hiring.
3. He Comes From An Established Coaching Tree
McDaniel has been an associate of Mike and Kyle Shanahan for quite a long time.
He started as an intern for the Denver Broncos and worked his way up as an offensive assistant, running backs coach, wide receivers coach, and offensive coordinator.
He has been with the younger Shanahan since 2011 when they were part of the then-Washington Redskins coaching staff.
But aside from the Shanahans, McDaniel also picked up some wisdom from certain people like Matt LaFleur and Sean McVay, who were part of the Washington coaching staff.
I’ve known new Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel for a very long time — about 15 years now — and when I tell you this is a dream come true for him… well, just take a look at the resume he sent me from 2005 when he was trying to land his first internship with the Broncos. Dream big. pic.twitter.com/792WZ51ULM
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) February 7, 2022
Their football knowledge did not translate to immediate wins, but their winning pedigree came out once they became head coaches.
LaFleur has 39 wins in three seasons, while Shanahan brought the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.
Meanwhile, McVay will be coaching in his second Super Bowl, this time against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Coming from that coaching tree makes McDaniel’s credentials solid.
The Dolphins are in for a treat if he ends up as good as those coaches.
2. He’s A Player’s Coach
Based on initial engagement, he seems to be a coach that will not quit on his players.
He will coach who he has and help them become winners.
McDaniel will leave the personnel decisions to general manager Chris Grier and focus on getting the team ready in the best way possible.
His relatively young age makes it easier to understand his players’ sentiments.
He will also be hands-on with the coaching by calling the Dolphins’ plays on offense.
Aside from being a player’s coach, he’s also building relationships with assistant coaches by retaining some of them for at least the 2022 season.
1. His Coaching Strength Fits The Dolphins’ System
At San Francisco, Shanahan’s primary role was to develop a game plan for passing.
Meanwhile, then-offensive coordinator McDaniel took care of the running game.
His expertise fits a Miami team that emphasizes play action and run pass option schemes.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is one of the NFL’s best in gaining yards from RPOs.
I (also) asked new #Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel about star receiver Jaylen Waddle.
He said “look up the yards after catch we had in San Francisco. That should tell you how excited I am.” pic.twitter.com/QG1ZFs2p4l
— Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 (@Safid_Deen) February 10, 2022
Therefore, having an offensive-minded coach like McDaniel will help him improve his checks and reads in every snap.
McDaniel’s arrival will also benefit Myles Gaskin, who might have a big year under the Yale graduate’s tutelage.
Once the running game gets going, Jaylen Waddle and Mike Gesicki should see an increase in their numbers.
But while the run game is McDaniels’ forte, the Dolphins must address their struggling offensive line in the coming off-season.
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