The Miami Dolphins are struggling early this season, sitting at 1-4 after a crushing loss to the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday.
As the losses mount, the conversation surrounding HC Mike McDaniel’s job security intensifies.
ESPN’s Senior NFL Reporter, Jeremy Fowler, joined the Rich Eisen Show to share his perspective on McDaniel’s future.
While Fowler didn’t set off any imminent alarms, it is clear that pressure is mounting in Miami.
The Dolphins have had a rocky start to the season and continue to search for answers.
If Miami can somehow string together some wins and positivity, its ship could be saved.
If they continue to fail, Owner Stephen Ross and his staff may have some pressing decisions to make.
Fowler Says Dolphins’ Still Backing McDaniel, For Now.
Fowler described Miek McDaniel’s seat as “moderately hot”.
Not scalding, but not comfortable, either.
While McDaniel certainly can be a target for the Dolphins’ struggles, Fowler sheds light on the notion that the Ownership still believes in him.
“I really think ownership there likes Mike McDaniel a lot, and this is not something where they are looking for an excuse to move on from him right now,” said Fowler on the Rich Eisen show.
In addition, Fowler also describes the situation as fluid, and that Miami wants to give McDaniel more time; however, certain factors play into it.
“I feel like they want to give him a little bit of time, but there are a lot of factors that go into that, one of which is your team getting better, is it lifeless, are seats in the stands empty, those are some factors that could go on.”
While Fowler does highlight the willingness and support of time for McDaniel, from the Dolphins, time can only go so far in the NFL.
Especially with expectations high and the results falling.
And despite the optimism, wins and losses are the true measure for an NFL coach.
Mike McDaniel sits with a 29-27 record as the Dolphins’ head coach.
If he can string together some wins and come out the other end with positive numbers, he may, in fact, still be in charge of this Dolphins team in the future.
Miami Needs To Start Winning
Simply put, the Dolphins need to turn things around quickly.
Sunday’s blowout loss highlighted the same story that has plagued this team and was the worst loss of the season.
Part of Miami’s problem lies within its roster construction and the health of the offensive players.
Fowler points out that the Dolphins aren’t necessarily built to “win right now.”
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains the leader of this team, but with a fragile past of injuries.
When a team’s success depends so heavily on the quarterback, who can’t take hits, it’s hard to build lasting momentum.
Add in wide receiver Tyreek Hill being lost for the season due to injury, and the Dolphins are running out of playmakers.
Still, Fowler’s comments did make one thing clear.
McDaniel has not lost the locker room or the support of the front office.
Miami’s ownership wants to see progress, not panic.
If McDaniel can string together some wins, the talk of his seat being hot may cool off.
Fowler’s insights paint a picture of cautious confidence.
McDaniel and his staff must find a way to get their team back on track, and at 1-4, time isn’t on his side. Only wins.