Analyst Drops Unexpected Bombshell on Mike McDaniel’s Future—What It Means for the Team!

Ever wonder if a coach’s job can hinge on a single play? Well, Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel might just be living that reality right now. After a nail-biter against the Washington Commanders, where an overtime interception set up a game-winning field goal, McDaniel’s standing feels about as stable as a toddler on roller skates. Heading into that Week 11 clash with a 3-7 record and locker-room tension mounting like a pressure cooker, one peculiar call in the dying minutes fueled debates hotter than a Miami summer—going for a touchdown on fourth down instead of the safe field goal. So here’s the kicker: Is Mike McDaniel the coach who just saved his own job… or did he gamble his way onto the hot seat? Let’s dive into the drama unfolding behind those sideline glances and see what this all means for the Dolphins moving forward.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 05: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins looks on during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on January 05, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. — (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

A single mistake can decide the outcome of a one-score NFL game. The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders both had chances to exploit those moments during their Sunday matchup, but Miami came away with the victory.

Dolphins cornerback Jack Jones intercepted Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota on the first play of overtime, giving his team favorable field position. Two plays later, Riley Patterson connected on a 29-yard field goal to secure a 16-13 win for Miami. CBS Sports HQ analyst Pete Prisco offered an interesting perspective on head coach Mike McDaniel following the game.

“You know, what’s amazing? Mike McDaniel might actually be saving his job. There is some talk that they don’t want to fire him, so, it’ll be interesting to see what happens,” Prisco said.

"Mike McDaniel might actually be saving his job … having said all that, at the end of the game please, what the heck were you doing?"

– @PriscoCBS pic.twitter.com/XEe3TxkSKY

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) November 16, 2025

McDaniel entered the Week 11 matchup in Madrid with a 3-7 record and facing mounting pressure regarding his future with the organization. Tensions in the locker room and disciplinary issues within the team have raised questions about his control over the roster.

The overtime victory provided temporary relief, but the path to that result drew criticism. Miami held possession late in the fourth quarter with a chance to take the lead.

Facing fourth down inside Washington territory with less than two minutes remaining, McDaniel chose to go for the touchdown instead of attempting a field goal. The Dolphins needed one yard and handed the ball to rookie Ollie Gordon, but the Commanders stopped the play short of the goal line.

The failed conversion forced Miami into overtime and sparked immediate debate about McDaniel’s decision-making. Settling for three points would have given the Dolphins the lead without risking the turnover on downs. That choice has added to the scrutiny surrounding McDaniel as the team heads into Week 12 still searching for consistency.

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