The Miami Dolphins aren’t ready to make a change — yet. But behind closed doors, whispers suggest they’re preparing for one.
Sources and analysts alike are starting to talk about what happens if 2025 doesn’t go according to plan for head coach Mike McDaniel. After two seasons of promise but no playoff wins, patience is thinning among ownership. And with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s health still a concern, and the roster entering a delicate transition phase, the Dolphins are said to be quietly mapping out a potential exit strategy.
That strategy includes looking at high-profile replacements, some more surprising than others.
Jon Gruden Re-Enters the Conversation
One name that’s recently surfaced? Jon Gruden.
Yes, you read that right.
Gruden, who stepped away from the Raiders in 2021 after controversy surrounding offensive emails, is being floated as a possible candidate should Miami decide to make a coaching change down the line.
NFL analyst and former scout John Middlekauff recently speculated on this possibility:
“I think if and when they fire everybody in Miami… he would be an option.”
It’s not just idle chatter. Gruden has kept his hand in football, most recently joining the ownership group of the Nashville Kats in the revived Arena Football League — a move many see as part of a broader effort to rebuild his public image.
And while he hasn’t been on an NFL sideline since 2021, his track record speaks for itself: over 100 career wins, multiple playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl victory with the Buccaneers in 2003.
Why Gruden Makes Sense — and Why It’s Risky
From a football perspective, Gruden checks a lot of boxes.
He’s a proven leader. He knows how to build around quarterbacks. And he brings a fiery intensity that could reignite a team that underachieved last season despite elite talent like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
But the off-field concerns remain.
His past comments continue to cast a long shadow, especially for a franchise trying to maintain a positive public image. Any consideration of Gruden would require serious internal conversations about whether his leadership style aligns with the Dolphins’ evolving culture.
Still, in the world of professional football, second chances do happen — especially when championships are on the line.
Dolphins Could Pivot Toward Experience
Historically, Miami has leaned toward young, innovative coaches, which is why hiring McDaniel made sense in the first place. But if results don’t follow, the Dolphins may feel forced to pivot.
A return to a proven veteran voice could be the next step — and Gruden isn’t the only name in play. Other experienced coaches have also been linked to Miami, though none carry quite the same intrigue or controversy as Gruden.
If things unravel in 2025, expect this conversation to grow louder, faster.
Final Thought: The Coaching Carousel Is Already Spinning
The Dolphins aren’t making any moves — not yet.
But as pressure builds on McDaniel and uncertainty swirls around Tua’s future, it’s clear Miami is already thinking ahead.
Whether it’s Gruden or another big name, one thing is certain: the Dolphins are watching the coaching market closely — and they might not wait until January to act.