Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Facing Backlash For Controversial Decision vs. Bills

The Miami Dolphins got off to a rough start in Thursday night's primetime matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw two interceptions early in the first half, allowing Josh Allen and the Bills to take a 24-7 lead late into the second quarter.

Miami had one final offensive drive to narrow the deficit heading into the halftime break, but head coach Mike McDaniel elected to take a conservative approach when moving down the field.

Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offense dink and dunked their way down the field — more so looking like they were trying to burn clock rather than shrink the lead with a touchdown.

The Dolphins ultimately settled for a field goal, bringing the halftime score to 24-10.

McDaniel is facing some serious backlash on social media for his conservative play calling.

"So when do we start questioning whether Mike McDaniel is good at his job? Because right now seems like a reasonable time," one fan wrote.

"Little suspicious what's going on in Miami. Mike McDaniel got the call during that last TV commercial to tamper it down to run out the clock?" another asked.

"It’s time we come to terms with the fact that Mike McDaniel actually isn’t that good of a coach," another said.

"Mike McDaniel when he has to actually coach (play a good team), is an abysmal failure," another wrote.

McDaniel is 1-3 against the Bills since taking over as Miami's head coach in 2022.