What was Mike McDaniel’s plan – The Splash Zone 5/18/26

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Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks on during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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It seemed like Mike McDaniel was still going to be the Miami Dolphins head coach heading into the 2026 when he survived the first few days after the season had come to an end. But Stephen Ross decided the team needed a clean slate at both general manager and head coach. Former Dolphins tight end, Darren Waller, was meeting with McDaniel when Ross came to deliver the news. Waller was recently in an interview with DraftKings where he revealed what McDaniel’s plan was for the Dolphins. It sounds like he was ready to hand the keys over to QB Quinn Ewers for the offense and provide some competition. So even with a coaching change, it sounds like Tua Tagovailoa was destined to head elsewhere either way.

You can check out that story here, and the rest of the day’s round-up below.

One of Mike McDaniel’s final conversations as the Miami Dolphins head coach reveals what his plan for 2026 entailed
The final hours of Mike McDaniel’s tenure with the Miami Dolphins included one conversation that apparently outlined a big part of his plan for 2026.

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Dolphins Quarterbacks​

Examining the Alternate Scenario Where Ewers Would Have Been Dolphins QB in 2026
Former head coach Mike McDaniel was ready to move forward with Quinn Ewers before his abrupt firing in January

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Dolphins 2026 Season​

10 Reasons To Be Excited About the Dolphins’ 2026 Season Despite the Low Expectations
The Miami Dolphins will begin their new era under GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley

Dolphins Game-By-Game Predictions: How Many Wins on 2026 Schedule?
The Miami Dolphins will go into the 2026 season with very low outside expectations, but how many wins is realistic?

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Phinsider News You May Have Missed​

Dolphins 2026 schedule released – The Splash Zone 5/16/26
Welcome to the Splash Zone, the quickest way to get your day started off right. We bring you a rundown of Miami Dolphins news from the last 24 hours.

Miami Dolphins Discussion: Media Perception Edition
We ask Miami Dolphins fans for their take on the national media’s sometimes negative take on the team.

Miami Dolphins Discussion: Face Of The Team Edition
We ask Miami Dolphins fans who will emerge as the face of the team for the 2026 season.

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