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The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel Thursday morning, but at least one person is off their roster to fill the vacancy.
Shortly after the Dolphins’ announcement, Sen. Marco Rubio joked that there were “online rumors” that he was a candidate for the team.
However, he shut those rumors down.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio boards a flight bound for El Salvador at Panama Pacifico International Airport in Panama City on Feb. 3, 2025. Rubio is in Panama on a two-day official visit. (Mark Schiefelbein/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
“I don’t normally respond to online rumors, but feel the need to do so at this time. I will not be a candidate for the currently vacant HC and GM positions at the Miami Dolphins,” Rubio wrote on X. “Although you never know what the future may hold right now, my focus must remain on global events and also the precious archives in the United States. Thank you.”
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross announced the news citing a need for “extensive change” after the team missed the playoffs for the second year in a row with a 7-10 finish this season. They also fired general manager Chris Grier in October.
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of extensive change,” the statement read.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel prepares to call a timeout during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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“I informed Mike McDaniel this morning that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach. I love Mike and want to thank him for his hard work, commitment and the energy he brought to our organization. Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day. I wish him and his family the best going forward.”
McDaniel’s firing marks the eighth coaching vacancy in the NFL this season.
The Dolphins made back-to-back playoff appearances in McDaniel’s first two seasons as head coach, but were eliminated in the first round both times. The following season, they were eliminated after suffering an unexpected loss to the New York Jets in the team’s season finale.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks with wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
McDaniel’s final season in Miami was tumultuous, highlighted by the quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s games and his possible benching in the last three games of the season.
