Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa Face Make-or-Break 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Miami Dolphins’ offense, led by Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa, once dazzled, topping the NFL in total yards in 2023. Now, with no playoff wins and a 2024 postseason miss, the Dolphins teeter on the edge of a franchise reset. Can they rebound, or will cracks widen?
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McDaniel’s innovative schemes fueled back-to-back playoff berths in 2022 and 2023, a feat not seen since 2001. Yet, the Dolphins’ 8-9 record in 2024, plagued by injuries, exposed vulnerabilities. Tagovailoa’s absence for six games crippled the offense, averaging a league-worst 12.3 points without him.
Tagovailoa’s health remains the linchpin. “It all comes down to Tua and his ability to stay on the field,” said NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on The Rich Eisen Show. His $212.4 million contract, with a $39.1 million cap hit in 2025, balloons to $56.4 million in 2026.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1)Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
The pressure is palpable. McDaniel’s job security hinges on Tagovailoa delivering a playoff win, absent since 1999. Failure could spark a roster overhaul.
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With defensive stars Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips working their way back from serious injuries last year, young players such as rookie Kenneth Grant need to step up. Miami’s front office faces tough choices if Tagovailoa falters again. Will they stick with their quarterback, or pivot to a rebuild?
The 2025 season is a crucial one for Miami. Tagovailoa must stay healthy and elevate his squad, while McDaniel needs to prove he can win when it counts. Dolphins fans hold their breath, awaiting a breakthrough or a breaking point.
Related: Dolphins Running Back Named Team’s Most Promising Building Block
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.