During the recent 2024 NFL Owners Meeting, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel engaged with the media, discussing various topics including the free agency status of star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and the anticipated contract extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, what truly resonated with both fans and reporters was McDaniel’s candid admission about contemplating the relinquishment of his play-calling responsibilities. This revelation sparked a significant amount of discussion among viewers, particularly as many are eager to understand how such a decision could impact the team’s performance moving forward.

In response to a question regarding whether he might step back from calling plays this coming season, head coach Mike McDaniel shared his thoughtful consideration of the matter.

(Note: Full quote will be included when the Miami Dolphins launch it later on today)

This topic is particularly intriguing to me, especially since I raised this question during an episode of Another Dolphins Podcast at the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season. At that time, I found myself grappling with uncertainty regarding the dual demands placed on a rookie head coach who also serves as the primary play-caller. My skepticism revolved around whether McDaniel stepping back from play-calling would facilitate a quicker execution of plays for the quarterback or potentially prevent the Dolphins from abandoning their running game in critical moments. Additionally, I found myself questioning who among the coaching staff would be a more suitable candidate to assume those responsibilities if McDaniel chose to step aside.

The Dolphins’ offensive coordinator, Frank Smith, has yet to officially call plays in a game setting. Meanwhile, Darrell Bevell, the quarterback coach, has experience calling plays from his time with the Seattle Seahawks during their championship years. Nonetheless, it raises the question of whether it would be unconventional for a head coach to delegate such crucial responsibilities to a position coach, regardless of their past experience. Moreover, I grapple with another compelling question: just how significant of an impact would such a shift in play-calling make for the Dolphins’ offense?

As McDaniel embarks on his second year as head coach, it’s evident that he has learned valuable lessons from his previous season’s experiences. While there have been moments when I wished the team would have committed to the run game more consistently, the statistics speak volumes. The Dolphins achieved a remarkable feat, ranking among the top five offenses in numerous statistical categories last season, showcasing the effectiveness of their offensive strategy.

Remarkably, Miami finished first in offensive yards per game, averaging an impressive 401.3 yards. They also ranked sixth in rushing yards, accumulating an average of 135.8 yards per game, and achieved a stellar first in yards per carry at 5.1 yards. Furthermore, McDaniel‘s offensive scheme demonstrated exceptional productivity, averaging 29.2 points per game, making them the highest-scoring team in the NFL.

In essence, I believe this serves as a testament to McDaniel’s commitment to thoroughly evaluating every facet of the team from top to bottom at the end of the season. He frequently emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and collective improvement, and it’s evident that he genuinely embodies these principles. It’s refreshing to see a coach who prioritizes the team’s success over personal pride, a quality that has been lacking in some of the previous coaches in the organization.

What are your thoughts on Mike McDaniel’s remarks? Do you believe he should relinquish play-calling duties? Is there a specific area of his play-calling you’d like to see him enhance during the offseason? Who do you think would be an appropriate candidate to take over if he decides to delegate play-calling? Would it be Frank Smith, Darrell Bevell, Wes Welker, or even Tyreek Hill? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments section below!