Jaylen Waddle Gets Brutally Honest About Former Dolphins Head Coach

After four seasons, the Miami Dolphins decided to dismiss head coach Mike McDaniel, following back-to-back losing seasons. The Dolphins found success in McDaniel’s first two seasons, as Miami’s offense became the fastest in the NFL, filled with explosive plays. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill had the two best seasons of his career with the team and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played at a Pro Bowl level.

However, things changed in the 2024 season as the offense stagnated. After losing members of the offensive line, and defensive coaches adjusted to Miami’s scheme and playmakers, Miami struggled to achieve their prior success. Alongside injuries, that resulted in the Dolphins finishing below .500 for the first time since 2019. In 2025, results did not improve as the team won only seven games, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa struggled to the point that he got benched before the season ended.

Now, with the team having a new direction under head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Dolphins appear to be moving toward a rebuild. Many of McDaniel’s top playmakers have left or are expected to leave the Dolphins; however, some who remain have commented on the dismissal of McDaniel.

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Jaylen Waddle Shares True Feelings on Mike McDaniel

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle went on The Set with Terron Armstead where he spoke about former head coach Mike McDaniel. Waddle said, “I got a lot of love for Mike… it was a lot of butting heads when he felt some type of way and I felt some type of way, Mike knows I got nothing but love for him.”

McDaniel arrived after Jaylen Waddle’s rookie season, in which he had set the record for receptions by a rookie receiver. Under McDaniel, Waddle went from being a slot wide receiver to an outside wide receiver. Waddle finished his first year with McDaniel by leading the league in yards per reception and had the fourth-most receiving yards in a season in Dolphins franchise history.

He regressed in the 2023 season, as injuries forced him to miss three games. However, he still went over 1,000 yards. Waddle failed to reach 1,000 receiving yards in each of his final two seasons with McDaniel. It remains unclear when the pair butted heads as Waddle said.

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Jaylen Waddle’s Dolphins Future

This is not the first time Waddle has spoken up this week. He recently commented on a fake rumor that he had told the Dolphins front office that he wanted out. He posted on social media that it was false.

While Waddle made it clear that he did not express that he wanted a trade, the Dolphins may still opt to move the star receiver if they receive a strong offer. However, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has previously praised the player, as he said, “Jaylen Waddle is as explosive of an athlete [as you will see]. His ability to create separation at the top of his route is as good as any.”

Last season, it was reported the Dolphins were offered a first-round pick for Waddle at the trade deadline. With the team likely facing a rebuild, it is possible they might re-enter trade discussions around the Dolphins wide receiver.

Jose Esquer Jose Esquer is a Mexican-American sportswriter and communications student based in San Diego, CA. His work spans football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. He has written for platforms like RotoWire and DolphinsTalk. You can find him on Twitter/X @JEsquer8, usually talking Dolphins, world football, or both. More about Jose Esquer