What was the outcome of the Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals game?

The Miami Dolphins lost to the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 45-21.

Will Mike McDaniel remain the coach of the Miami Dolphins?

Coach McDaniel declined to address his future, but reports suggest owner Stephen Ross expects to retain him.

Who is the current starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins?

Rookie Quinn Ewers made his first career start for the Dolphins, with Tua Tagovailoa as the emergency third quarterback.

Home / Sports / Dolphins Collapse Again: Coach McDaniel Dodges Future Questions

Dolphins Collapse Again: Coach McDaniel Dodges Future Questions

22 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Coach McDaniel deflects questions about his future after another loss.
Rookie QB Quinn Ewers showed flashes of potential in his first start.
The Dolphins have the NFL's longest playoff win drought at 25 years.

Dolphins Collapse Again: Coach McDaniel Dodges Future Questions

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel remained tight-lipped about his future with the team after a significant 45-21 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. This latest loss exacerbates the team's ongoing struggles, marking their second consecutive season missing the playoffs and continuing a troubling pattern of third-quarter collapses, characterized by costly turnovers that led to four Bengals touchdowns. Despite another season falling short of expectations, reports suggest owner Stephen Ross intends to keep McDaniel through the 2026 season, even as the Dolphins endure the NFL's longest playoff win drought, now at 25 years.

Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, making his first career start, offered a glimpse of potential for the Dolphins' offense. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards and guided three scoring drives, demonstrating poise and mobility. However, Ewers also experienced a tougher second half, throwing two interceptions. Coach McDaniel acknowledged his own frustration with the team's recurring third-quarter issues, stating that the responsibility begins with him and that he is allowing the pattern to persist. He emphasized the need to address these problems immediately, looking ahead to the next game against Tampa Bay.