Darren Waller Witnesses McDaniel’s Surprising Dismissal from the Dolphins
In a candid revelation on Johnny Manziel’s podcast, Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller shared his unexpected front-row seat to former head coach Mike McDaniel’s dismissal. Waller described himself as “at the scene of the crime” and possibly “the last person to see him before he got fired.” The tight end recounted sitting in what seemed like a routine exit interview with McDaniel, discussing future plans for the 2026 season, when team owner Stephen Ross abruptly entered the room. The interruption created an awkward scenario as Ross joined their conversation, expressing his hope to have Waller back next season before the discussion fell into an uncomfortable silence. Sensing the tension and receiving what he interpreted as a signal to leave, Waller departed the meeting after McDaniel mentioned they’d finish their conversation later. The gravity of the situation only became clear when Waller checked his phone after getting a massage and discovered McDaniel had been fired, prompting him to remark, “This s— is cold.”
The firing marked the end of McDaniel’s tenure with the Dolphins after a disappointing 7-10 season that saw the team miss the playoffs. Owner Stephen Ross cited a need for “comprehensive change” in the organization, despite McDaniel having led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances in his first two seasons. Though the Dolphins reached the postseason during those years, they failed to advance beyond the first round in either attempt. The final blow to McDaniel’s leadership came when the team suffered an unexpected loss to the New York Jets in the season finale, eliminating Miami from playoff contention and highlighting the team’s inconsistent performance throughout the year.
McDaniel’s final season with the Dolphins was particularly challenging, marked by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles and eventual benching for the final three games. In what would be one of his last significant decisions as head coach, McDaniel announced plans for a quarterback competition heading into the 2026 season. This move seemed to push Tagovailoa toward considering his options elsewhere, as he subsequently expressed openness to a “fresh start” with another team. The quarterback situation represents just one of several major challenges facing the Dolphins as they enter a period of significant transition.
The Dolphins now face a substantial rebuilding process that extends beyond just replacing McDaniel. The organization must also find a new general manager after Chris Grier’s mid-season dismissal, adding another layer of complexity to their leadership vacuum. With both head coach and general manager positions vacant, the team will need to establish a new foundation before addressing other pressing concerns, including the uncertain quarterback situation. These personnel changes reflect the organization’s recognition that more fundamental changes are needed after failing to capitalize on promising regular-season performances in recent years.
The abrupt nature of McDaniel’s dismissal, particularly as described through Waller’s firsthand account, offers a rare glimpse into the often harsh business realities of professional sports. The coach was literally in the middle of planning for future seasons when the decision to terminate his employment was executed. This stark transition highlights the precarious nature of coaching positions in the NFL, where results ultimately dictate job security regardless of past achievements or relationships formed within the organization. For players like Waller, witnessing such moments serves as a reminder of the industry’s unforgiving nature.
As the Dolphins move forward, they’ll need to carefully consider their next steps to restore stability and competitive edge to the franchise. The decisions they make regarding their new head coach and general manager will significantly impact their ability to resolve the quarterback situation and address other roster needs. Meanwhile, McDaniel joins the growing list of available coaching talent in the NFL, likely to find another opportunity given his previous success in taking Miami to consecutive playoff appearances. For players remaining with the Dolphins, including Waller, the upcoming season will bring adaptation to new leadership and systems as the team attempts to return to playoff contention under fresh guidance.
