As the Miami Dolphins enter the 2025 season under coach Mike McDaniel, he remains committed to calling plays, a role he's held since his arrival in 2022. Despite the pressure to delegate this responsibility, McDaniel firmly believes his involvement is essential for the team's success. He has faced questions about this decision multiple times, consistently asserting that he will change his approach only if there is a clear need.
The Dolphins' offensive performance waned in 2024, plummeting from top rankings the previous year to middling positions. Injuries to starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa contributed to this decline, revealing the team's lack of a robust backup plan. The struggles also highlighted issues with the development of backup quarterbacks and the inability to effectively utilize star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
McDaniel's strategy moving forward will focus on adapting to defensive looks while prioritizing the playmaking abilities of Hill and Waddle. He emphasized a balanced approach between deep throws and safer options to maintain offensive effectiveness.