Michael Zagaris/Getty Images The Miami Dolphins named San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel their fourteenth Head Coach Sunday
Where McDaniel Can Help the Dolphins the Most
The Miami Dolphins made official what had looked to be inevitable over the past week, naming Mike McDaniel the fourteenth head coach in team history Sunday. The two obvious places he can help Miami are in the run game and Tua Tagovailoa’s development. San Francisco’s strength on offense was its running game. As offensive coordinator McDaniel designed those plays. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan called the plays for the 49ers. The creatvity of the 49ers run game, particularly the use of wide receiver Deebo Samuel in it, kept defenses off balance.
Tua’s mobility comes into play in McDaniel’s offense. Expect roll outs and boots for the Dolphins quarterback to be a bigger part of the offense. This probably means safe, short, easy passes for Tua, with an emphasis on receivers being able to run after the catch.
The major question for Miami becomes how much the Dolphins invest in the offensive line and running back. Dolphins GM Chris Grier has yet to use a high draft pick on a running back. His record drafting offensive linemen is not good as well. Miami may well use a good amount of its $70 million+ in cap space on the offensive line. McDaniel’s offensive scheme will only succeed if Grier gets picks and signings in these areas right.
Will McDaniel Keep Miami’s Defensive Staff Intact?
On the defensive side of the ball there are some improvements to be made, but there are fewer than on offense. McDaniel would be wise to keep defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. Boyer’s and the Head Coach Brian Flores blitzing scheme, at its best, got consistent pressure on quarterbacks. Ball hawking Pro Bowl corner Xavien Howard definitely benefited from this scheme.
The Dolphins need to improve on run defense and could use another edge rusher as well. Another edge rusher alongside Emmanuel Ogbah and Jaelan Phillips means the Dolphins might be able to get pressure even though they blitz less often. Improving the run defense puts teams in more passing situations to apply pressure.
McDaniel’s offensive scheme can also be a help to the defense. Miami’s offensive success last came when the was willing to stick with its running game. This took pressure off of Tua, but it also kept the defense off the field. A well rested defense means a stronger pass rush for the Dolphins.
McDaniel Must Answer Two Huge Questions
The first question McDaniel must answer is one of collaboration. Plenty of allegations have been thrown around in regard to Flores, Grier’s, and owner Stephen Ross’ working relationship. McDaniel will only be a success if he, Grier, and Ross are all on the same page. Ross willingness to be patient with McDaniel, a young first time head coach, matters as well. McDaniel comes from a San Francisco team that has had the kind of success Miami wants. The Dolphins have not been to the playoffs since 2016. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2000. Two years ago the 49ers were seven minutes from winning the Super Bowl.
As Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel must win over the locker room as well. “Im sick” was a common quote from players after Flores was fired. With all allegations swirling around Ross from Flores’ lawsuit the team needs McDaniel to be a calm, steady hand. How soon he convinces the team that he knows what he’s doing, and that he can put them in positions to be successful, will go a long way towards Miami ending its Playoff drought.
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