McDaniel to Interview For Dolphins HC Today

The Los Angeles Rams eliminated the San Francisco 49ers yesterday. Their loss in the NFC championship game means the Miami Dolphins can now interview Mike McDaniel, the 49ers offensive coordinator. Stephen Ross, Miami’s owner, did fly out Santa Monica last week, but it is unknown if he met with anyone in the 49ers orginization.

Many sources consider McDaniel the leading candidate for the Dolphins head coaching position. He has done for so for two reasons: the New York Giants hiring Brian Daboll and his creative play design. McDaniel does not call plays, head coach Kyle Shanahan does. His creativity designing plays helped San Francisco finish seventh overall in yards. The 49ers finished thirteenth in points scored this season. The abilities of McDaniel and Shanahan helped the team overcome the struggles of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

How Much Can McDaniel help Tua?

The Dolphins head coaching search centers around Tua Tagovailoa. McDaniel and Shanahan, most analysts believe, got as much out of Garoppolo as they could. Can he do the same for Tua? The creativity of San Francisco’s offense is in the run game. Miami has no player like Deebo Samuel. Samuel’s abilities are one of a kind. He’s a huge part of the 49ers run game. Who fills his role on the Dolphins?

Watching the NFC championship game closely Garoppolo was at his best as a passer in a two minute drill. Tua is at his best making short, quick passes. That part of San Francisco’s offense could translate to the Dolphins. The question is can McDaniels work together with a staff to help him call those plays? The Dolphins fired Brian Flores in part because he and staff not working well together. For that matter how much can he help Tua grow? What does McDaniel see as Tua’s ceiling? That question will determine his success and longevity, if hired.

Dolphins to Make Decision This Week

Analysts and insiders believe Miami will hire a coach sometime this week. Miami plans to interview the Dallas Cowboys Kellen Moore. He’s considered to be Miami’s second choice to McDaniel. As Dallas’ offensive coordinator Moore’s had a great deal of talent to work with at every level. How much has he gotten out of that talent? The Cowboys failed to move the ball, outside of the fourth quarter, against the 49ers in the wild card game. The final play against San Francisco, which cost Dallas a chance to throw a Hail Mary, is held against him as well.

Ross patience, or lack of it, comes into play again. Both McDaniel and Moore are under forty. This will be both’s first head coaching job. Their ability to work with the staff they pick and General Manager Chris Grier obviously matters as well. Will Ross and Grier listen if either one says that Tua’s not the answer at quarterback? How either one works with the everyone else, especially Tua, may be what determines whether or not Miami is looking for another coach in just a few years.

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