Miami Dolphins: 3 possible scapegoats if things go wrong in 2022

Miami Dolphins scapegoat #2: Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel might be seen as a scapegoat, but it will be seen more as an excuse if the Dolphins struggle this season.

First-year head coaches have it tough. Dolphins fans can attest to that, as they have seen their fair share of rookie leaders try their hand at turning the franchise’s fortunes around. There is a steep learning curve, even for the most seasoned of former assistants, and it often takes weeks and even years for the plan to get off of the ground.

It could happen to McDaniel. He had never held a position higher than an offensive assistant until last year when his official title became offensive coordinator, and he wasn’t courted by any team other than Miami during the 2022 head coach hiring process. Throw in the round schedule that the Dolphins have to open the season, and there are those who think McDaniel and the Dolphins will flop.

If they do struggle in the early going, McDaniel could be seen as a scapegoat, but he’ll likely be given a pass due to his inexperience. But it will be during the portion of the schedule in which Miami plays inferior opponents that will be the true test for the first-year head coach.