Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel understands play-calling questions

After their dismal 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, the Miami Dolphins found themselves with the dubious distinction of being the lowest scoring team in the NFL.

Perhaps more importantly, the slow start continued a trend that began late last season, one that has raised questions about whether opposing defenses have solved the Dolphins’ offense and figured out how to stop it.

Counting their final three games of the 2023 regular season, their playoff loss in Kansas City and their 2024 games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks, the Dolphins are averaging 13.6 points per game achieved and played three times (out of seven matches). ) with ten points or less.

Obviously, a lot of questions are being asked, and they’re not just about the quarterback position and Tua Tagovailoa’s recent concussion in Week 2.

One of those questions is whether McDaniel has ever considered giving up his play-calling duties, which he held during his tenure as Dolphins head coach.

McDaniel always answers questions meticulously during his media sessions, but he was even more measured than usual when discussing this topic.

“I think I’m veteran enough in the National Football League that I expect to answer questions like this randomly if your production isn’t close to what someone wants,” McDaniel began. “So I think it’s important as a head coach and a leader to take responsibility for all the decisions made and then, you know, what if we had numerous touchdowns that were terribly timed play calls that players just made, right? I think that It is important as head coach and leader to take responsibility for all decisions made.” I think you should do that… I don’t make that assessment lightly. I think it would be incredibly irresponsible if I just relied on the results.

“So I think every time I play, I do that de facto I do this in the light that I believe it is best for the team. The game is not about me. That’s first and foremost. The cost of the television packages to watch the games would be a lot less if people tried to watch me. Inherently, I take the responsibility super seriously and every time I mention the game it’s based on doing the best for the team and secondly… I wouldn’t hesitate to change that procedure because it’s my decision. I would change it in a heartbeat if I thought someone else would give the team a better chance to win. So at the end of the day, you just have to be fully responsible for every decision you make and know what the results might be. And I fully accept that.”

Based on the way McDaniel talked about making plays early in his Dolphins tenure, this says it would take a lot for him to voluntarily give up that role. It also doesn’t fit GM Chris Grier’s profile or that of owner Stephen Ross to demand McDaniel relinquish that role, although all bets could get out of hand at some point if the offensive results continue to disappoint.

One thing’s for sure: If it ever came to a point where McDaniel gave up his play-calling duties, there would be no shortage of alternatives.

We can start with offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who has worked with McDaniel the past two seasons. Smith also served as the run game coordinator for the LA Chargers in 2021. Still, he hasn’t had full play-calling responsibilities since 2009, when he was the offensive coordinator at Butler University.

Then there’s quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell, an offensive coordinator for four different NFL teams, the latest the 2021 Jacksonville Jaguars.

Associate head coach/running backs coach Eric Studesville also served as run game coordinator and co-offensive coordinator (along with George Godsey) for the Dolphins in 2021.

Based on the references, Bevell is the logical choice here.

But that’s only if a switch is made, and again, we’d consider it very unfortunate. But the calls for it and the questions about it – as McDaniel is fully aware – will absolutely keep coming if the offense doesn’t turn things around.