The Miami Dolphins finally concluded their head coaching search by hiring Mike McDaniel, who will be turning 39 years old next month.
He continues the NFL’s revolution of hiring head coaches below 40 years old, but he’s earned his keep throughout a career that spans almost two decades.
Miami couldn’t go wrong hiring Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
Dolphins gave their new HC Mike McDaniel a four-year contract, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2022
He made the Cowboys into the NFL’s top offense in terms of total yards and points per game during the regular season.
However, the Dolphins felt better with the Yale graduate who brings the energy during post-game press conferences.
Some reasons are a toss-up between McDaniel and Moore, but there’s a consideration that stands out.
Getting More From Less
Think about it, Moore had a talented quarterback in Dak Prescott, plus a solid backfield with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.
Throw in wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper into the mix, and the Cowboys should win a playoff game.
On the other hand, McDaniel’s offense allowed them to upset Dallas, edge the Green Bay Packers, and nearly defeat the Los Angeles Rams.
They had a fantastic playoff run even if Deebo Samuel was playing at two positions while Raheem Mostert was on injured reserve.
Likewise, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo doesn’t have eye-popping numbers, but he’s doing enough to help the team win.
Another HC added: Washington coaching staff in 2013…
OC: Kyle Shanahan
QBs: Matt LaFleur
—> WRs: Mike McDaniel
TEs: Sean McVay pic.twitter.com/YjrylyvaDX— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 6, 2022
In some ways, San Francisco’s offense is comparable to what the Dolphins have.
They’re not a high-powered unit like the Cowboys, but they have bright spots in Myles Gaskin, Jaylen Waddle, Mike Gesicki, and Tua Tagovailoa.
But unlike Garoppolo, Tagovailoa has some mobility that McDaniel can convert into plays.
If they hired Moore, the Dolphins might struggle because he’s used to having several options on the field.
McDaniel Can Improve Miami’s Run Game
The Dolphins finished 30th this season with 92.2 rushing yards per game.
They are also 24th in rushing touchdowns and 26th in yards per rush against eight-man defensive fronts.
Gaskin was their top rusher with 612 yards, and Miami finished in the bottom ten in both rushing yards before and after contact.
McDaniel’s volume of work with Samuel and Elijah Mitchell will help Gaskin, Duke Johnson, and Phillip Lindsay gain chunks of yards on the ground.
“I spoke to Mike McDaniel this weekend. Every QB he’s ever worked with has had his best season of his career with him on staff. He’s bullish on Tua and is excited to maximize what he does best.” — @PSchrags pic.twitter.com/EV4Cy2nZ5K
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) February 7, 2022
Likewise, the Dolphins’ new head coach can also upgrade their run-pass option scheme.
Luckily, Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards and yards per attempt on RPOs.
Therefore, McDaniel better complements Tagovailoa’s skill set than Moore because the Cowboys’ offense is more pass-oriented.
However, their improvement is easier said than done because McDaniel must fix the Dolphins’ troublesome offensive line.
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