Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Mike McDaniel (Dolphins) and Shane Steichen (Colts) Secure Their Positions for 2025

Despite the coaching carousel expected to hit hard this Black Monday, Mike McDaniel and Shane Steichen have both received assurances about their positions for the upcoming season.

As the NFL’s 2024 season comes to a close, this year’s Black Monday is shaping up to be especially eventful.

The shake-up began immediately following the conclusion of Week 18, with Jerod Mayo being relieved of his duties as head coach of the New England Patriots.

While more dismissals are expected in the coming hours, two coaches who seemed at risk—Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins and Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts—have received early backing from their respective organizations.

McDaniel Stays Despite Missing the Playoffs

The 2024 season was challenging for the Miami Dolphins on many fronts. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered injuries, the offense struggled to find rhythm, the team fell short in a relatively manageable division, and ultimately, they missed the playoffs. Adding to the tension were reports of Tyreek Hill expressing interest in leaving the team.

Amid this tumult, Mike McDaniel’s job security appeared increasingly uncertain, particularly as his influence within the locker room seemed to wane. However, the Dolphins’ management swiftly moved to confirm their support for McDaniel, ensuring his return for the 2025 season.

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— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 6, 2025

Hired as the Dolphins’ head coach in 2022 after serving as the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, McDaniel has led the team to a 28-22 record in the regular season. While he guided Miami to the playoffs twice, postseason success has eluded him so far. Nonetheless, McDaniel has been granted another opportunity to prove himself in 2025.

Colts Opt for Continuity with Steichen

Shane Steichen’s future with the Indianapolis Colts was another uncertainty heading into Black Monday. Although the Colts did not suffer a disastrous season—they were still in playoff contention after Week 16—a crushing loss to the New York Giants had raised doubts about Steichen’s standing. However, a narrow victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars solidified management’s confidence in him.

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— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) January 6, 2025

Steichen, now set to enter his third season with the Colts in 2025, will face high expectations, particularly in advancing the development of quarterback Anthony Richardson. The young QB’s progress remains a major focus, with more questions than answers at this stage.

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images