Is McDaniel the Next Under-40 Success Story?

Despite the ongoing drama, the Dolphins still managed to find a new head coach — and it looks like a great hire.

Miami tapped 49ers OC Mike McDaniel, the latest offensive mastermind to join a new class of young, first-time NFL HCs all under 40 at the time of hiring.

The 38-year-old is yet another Mike Shanahan disciple from a stacked 2013 Washington staff to take the reins — and his predecessors have all been successful: Kyle Shanahan (49ers, NFC Championship), Matt LaFleur (Packers, three 13-win seasons), and Sean McVay (Rams, two Super Bowl appearances).

McDaniel’s innovation in San Francisco bodes well for a Dolphins offense that averaged 20.1 points per game.

• The 49ers ranked fifth in the league in Football Outsiders’ offensive DVOA this season.
• Deebo Samuel flourished as a RB/WR hybrid in McDaniel’s offense, becoming a first-team All-Pro. Samuel credits McDaniel with making him a better player.
• The Dolphins haven’t made the postseason since 2016, and their most recent playoff victory was in 2000.

He inherits a lackluster Miami offensive corps led by Tua Tagovailoa, DeVante Parker, and Jaylen Waddle — their cheap contracts have the Dolphins working with the lowest offensive cap hit for 2022 ($56.5M).

McDaniel is also the first minority head coaching hire during this cycle. The Dolphins are currently mired in a lawsuit following their dismissal of Brian Flores, who is accusing the NFL of systemic racism.