Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel Is ‘a True Football Savant’

It hasn’t taken long for Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to become widely recognized as one of the most interesting football minds in the NFL -- not to mention one of the quirkiest . An offensive-minded strategist whose squad led the league in total yards last season, McDaniel has been referred to by one rival scout as “a true football savant.”

Those comments were made as part of the exclusive Dolphins scouting report in the Athlon Sports 2024 NFL Preview magazine , available on newsstands now.

“Mike McDaniel is a good kind of quirky,” said the anonymous scout. “He’s a lot more than cool shoes and watches and designer clothes. The guy is a true football savant. He draws up some truly innovative plays. It’s smart guy play-calling and it’s not easy to find in this copycat league.”

The 41-year-old McDaniel is 20-14 in two seasons as the Dolphins’ head coach, though he is also 0-2 in the postseason. In addition to leading the NFL in total yards in 2023, Miami also finished second in scoring. In Week 3 against Denver, McDaniel’s offense put up 70 points in a rout of the Broncos.

McDaniel is known for his innovative schemes, but it doesn’t hurt that his offense is loaded with talent.

“Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill were cooking last season,” the scout offered. “Their timing and chemistry are on point. Love the deep-ball strategy they’re executing.”

Tagovailoa led the NFL last season with 4,624 passing yards and was tied for fifth with 29 TD passes. Hill led the league with 1,799 receiving yards on 119 catches and was tied for the lead with 13 receiving touchdowns.

The scout also praised Miami for picking up the fifth-year option on receiver Jaylen Waddle, who provides an excellent complement to Hill.

“Jaylen Waddle is as smooth as it gets as a route-runner,” said the scout. “And it was an absolute no-brainer that they picked up his fifth-year option.”

Entering his fourth season, Waddle caught 72 passes last year for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns.

Related: Miami Dolphins 2024 NFL Season Preview: Tua Tagovailoa and Company Seek a Home Playoff Game