Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami Dolphins Next Head Coach Betting Odds and Favorites After the Firing of Mike McDaniel

Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

In a surprising post-Black Monday development, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel on Thursday, January 8, 2026, ending his four-year tenure. Despite a late 5-3 surge that appeared to secure his position after a 7-10 campaign in 2025, the organization opted for a full reset following the midseason departure of GM Chris Grier. Speculation points to extended evaluation of the season’s shortcomings, or the emergence of high-profile candidates like John Harbaugh, as catalysts for the pivot.

McDaniel, 42, departs 35-35 regular-season record, including two early playoff berths (0-2 postseason) but back-to-back losing seasons thereafter. As he contemplates his next move, potential landing spots emerge for the innovative offensive mind.

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Who May Replace Mike McDaniel for the Miami Dolphins?

With the Dolphins‘ head coaching job up for grabs after the firing of Mike McDaniel, here are a list of candidates most suitable for the jobs and all their odds, as per bookies.com.

Coach	Current Position	Percentage	Odds
John Harbaugh	Former Ravens Head Coach	16.7%	+500
Joe Brady	Bills Offensive Coordinator	11.1%	+800
Jesse Minter	Chargers Defensive Coordinator	10.0%	+900
Jeff Hafley	Packers Defensive Coordinator	10.0%	+900
Kliff Kingsbury	Former Commanders Offensive Coordinator	9.1%	+1000

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List of Candidates Most Likely to Replace Mike McDaniel in Miami

Listed below are the top-3 head coaching candidates for the Miami Dolphins, following McDaniel’s firing.

John Harbaugh (+500)

John Harbaugh emerges as the favorite to replace Mike McDaniel in Miami due to his elite pedigree: a Super Bowl champion with 180+ wins over 18 seasons in Baltimore. The Dolphins’ shocking Thursday firing, days after Harbaugh’s Ravens dismissal, fuels speculation that his availability prompted the pivot for a proven winner.

Owner Stephen Ross has longstanding Harbaugh family ties (via Michigan connections and past pursuit of his brother Jim). Miami’s GM vacancy allows Harbaugh input on personnel, including potential ties to finalist Chad Alexander (ex-Ravens colleague). Amid a needed reset with Tua Tagovailoa likely departing. Harbaugh’s stability and leadership make him the top target.

Joe Brady (+800)

Joe Brady, the 36-year-old Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator, stands as the second-leading candidate to replace Mike McDaniel in Miami. His innovative, versatile offense has kept Buffalo top-5 in scoring despite constant roster turnover, while developing Josh Allen into an MVP QB and crafting dominant run schemes.

At just 36, Brady brings youthful energy, proven play-calling, and Shanahan-tree roots that could align with Miami’s speed-based roster. Ideal for resetting around a young QB (potentially post-Tua), his rapid rise and creativity make him a strong fit for Stephen Ross’s vision.

Jesse Minter (+900)

Jesse Minter, the 42-year old Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator, ranks as the third leading candidate to replace Mike McDaniel in Miami. His elite defense finished top-5 in points allowed and yards allowed in 2025, blending aggressive blitzes with sound coverage from the Jim Harbaugh/Brandon Staley tree.

Proven at Michigan (national title as DC) and now thriving in the NFL, Minter brings youthful innovation, player development, and culture-building skills, ideal for a Dolphins reset. Stephen Ross may favor his ties to Harbaugh’s system for stability.

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Miami Dolphins

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Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.