In the fourth season of the Mike McDaniel era, the Dolphins are off to an 0-3 start, their worst since 2019.
Despite Miami's recent struggles, however, the head coach's job is not currently in danger.
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross intends to be patient with McDaniel amid Miami's winless start, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL GameDay Morning.
No coaching change is "imminent," Rapoport added, as Ross likes McDaniel, believes in the coach and gave him a contract extension just under 13 months ago; the coach has two years left on the deal, with $18 million still due after this season.
McDaniel's status could change though, if things turn in the clubhouse.
"Keep an eye on the locker room," Rapoport said. "If players suddenly stop playing for him, if that becomes a thing where you look on the field and say these players do not believe in their coach, perhaps that could trigger some change."
Through his first three seasons, McDaniel had solid success. The Dolphins returned to the postseason in 2022 and 2023 after a six-year drought, making two straight playoff appearances for the first time since the days of Dave Wannstedt. But wild-card exits and a disappointing 2024 campaign have soured the taste of the McDaniel regime.
Off-field consternation between Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill carried over from the end of last season into training camp; the Dolphins were reportedly outclassed by opponents in camp; and the offensive production this year has so far not been as explosive and consistent as in years past.
The Dolphins were dreadful in their season-opening loss in Indianapolis but have since shown life in their Week 2 and 3 defeats to division rivals New England and Buffalo, losses by a combined score of 64-48 in the span of five days.
Miami has a long wait until its next matchup, a Week 4 showdown with their final AFC East rival, the Jets, at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night.
All expectations are McDaniel will be on the sidelines for that prime-time matchup and in the weeks to come.