Mike McDaniel fired: this is how much his Dolphins contract was worth and how many years were left

The Miami Dolphins confirmed in 2024 that they were happy with the work Mike McDaniel was doing. The team signed him to a 4-year extension, which would keep him in Miami until 2028. Happiness is a funny thing though, and not too many in the Dolphins front office have been happy with what they’ve been seeing on the field.

McDaniel led the Dolphins to a Wild Card berth in 2022 and 2023. His overall record in Miami is 35-37 counting the 7-10 record this season:

• 2022: 9-8
• 2023: 11-6
• 2024: 8-9
• 2025: 7-10

And those in charge finally pulled the trigger, ending the contract early, on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Mike McDaniel was among the best paid coaches in the NFL

While the exact terms of the contract have not been publicly disclosed, it was estimated that McDaniel earned somewhere between $3.5 million and $4.5 million per year.

McDaniel’s extension was a clear signal that the Dolphins were committed to building a sustainable, winning culture. But, Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t playing to the level everyone expected him to be at after several concussions and other setbacks.

McDaniel seemed to have recovered control of the locker room after a rough 1-6 start to the season but it wasn’t to last.

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