On Thursday, on the TNF pregame show before the Dolphins vs Ravens clash, insider Ian Rapoport shared his thoughts on Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel’s future with the team. He also highlighted team owner Stephen Ross’ stance on his head coach.

“It (McDaniels job security) is going to continue to be a topic,” Rapoport said. “Safe to say, Mike McDaniel’s job status is firmly up in the air, on the hot seat as they say. I do not sense anything imminent from owner Stephen Ross who likes and believes and him and has invested in him.

“But here is how McDaniel is going to be judged. How do the players respond? What is it like in the locker room? Do they keep playing for him, or do they not? Like, can you see it? That is going determine whether if he keeps his job.”

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Since taking over as the team’s head coach in 2022, McDaniel has led the Dolphins to two playoff appearances. Last season, they finished second in the AFC East, failing to qualify for the playoffs (8-9 record). This started raising questions about his future with the team.

This season, Mike McDaniel and his team have been struggling on the field. The Dolphins are currently 2-6, placing the coach on the hot seat. However, he managed to bring an end to the team’s three-game losing streak after last week’s 34-10 victory over the Falcons.

Emmanuel Acho urges the Dolphins to fire Mike McDaniel

After the team’s Week 6 loss against the Chargers, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa came forward to criticize his teammates while questioning the team’s leadership. Even though he later apologized for his comments, it raised concerns about the team’s integrity.

A day later, on the “Speakeasy” show on Oct. 13, ex-NFL star turned analyst Emmanuel Acho demanded that the Dolphins fire Mike McDaniel for his inability to control his players.

“The reason McDaniel can’t stay is because players do not respect him,” Acho said. “And I know players do not respect him because if you call a player’s only meeting, even if you don’t respect the player, you show up because you respect the coach. You show up because you respect the organization.

If the Dolphins put up another losing campaign, then they might decide to fire McDaniel and bring in a suitable replacement. However, they also might decide to part ways with him midway through this season, just like how the Titans fired Brian Callahan on Oct. 13 after a disappointing 1-5 record.