The Miami Dolphins should be focused on the stretch run and a potential playoff push. But instead, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport just injected long-term uncertainty straight into the franchise’s spine. His report didn’t sound explosive at first, but the wording was a landmine.
When a franchise-caliber QB’s (let’s say Tua Tagovialoa‘s) status is framed around a coach’s job security, that isn’t stability. But it’s a flashing indicator that the organization hasn’t made an unconditional commitment. The Dolphins have been publicly supportive of Tua for years, praising his accuracy, processing and fit within Mike McDaniel’s system. But this report cracks open a real question: Is Miami committed to Tua the quarterback, or Tua paired with McDaniel’s scheme?
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport Connects Tua’s Future Directly to McDaniel’s
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Tua Tagovailoa is expected to remain Miami’s starting quarterback in 2026 if Mike McDaniel returns as head coach. It’s a conditional statement that effectively treats the QB and HC as a package deal. And that’s the part raising eyebrows. It suggests McDaniel’s vision and Tua’s long-term role are tied together, while also implying the front office hasn’t put a blanket stamp on Tua’s long-term status independent of coaching staff changes.
This adds a wrinkle to Miami’s future planning, especially as Tua continues to be evaluated year-to-year. His production under McDaniel is strong, but debates about ceiling, playoff execution, durability and scheme dependency have never gone away. Rapoport’s phrasing hints that the organization may still want flexibility if the McDaniel era ever hits turbulence.
What Happens to Tua If McDaniel Doesn’t Survive the Next Reset?
1. A New Coach Might Not Build Around Tua’s Style
Tua is a timing-based, rhythm-first quarterback who thrives in McDaniel’s YAC-driven system. Another coach, especially one with a vertical, power-based, or mobility-heavy scheme, could want a completely different type of passer.
2. Miami Has Avoided a Full Long-Term Commitment
The Dolphins have supported Tua, but they’ve been careful with language and negotiation timelines. They aren’t locking themselves into a decade-long marriage until they absolutely have to.
3. A Regime Change Often Means a Quarterback Change
When a new coach arrives, picking “your own QB” becomes one of the first power moves. Tua would be evaluated, not guaranteed.
4. The Dolphins’ Window is Win-Now, and Win-Now Teams Pivot Fast
If the next two seasons don’t produce playoff progress, the front office won’t hesitate to consider a reset at the sport’s most important position. Rapoport’s report wasn’t just an update; it was a signal.
But this whole conversation pushes us to think about the relationship between Tua and coach McDaniel, which has been getting stronger year after year.
What Is the Relationship Between Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel?
Tua Tagovailoa’s connection with Mike McDaniel began the moment the Dolphins hired McDaniel as head coach in February 2022. And it didn’t take long for the relationship to redefine the direction of Miami’s offense.
McDaniel inherited a quarterback coming off an uneven first two seasons with injuries, coordinator turnover, and a franchise unsure of what it truly had.
But instead of keeping Tua at arm’s length, McDaniel did the opposite. He made Tua the centerpiece of his offensive vision, rebuilt the scheme around his strengths, and backed him publicly and privately in a way no previous Miami staff had.
Talking about Tua, McDaniel said in Oct. 2025, “We had a great hour and a half meeting yesterday,” McDaniel said. “We had a great hour meeting the day before. As Tua and I have always operated, I think there is zero uncertainty with Tua in my conviction of him and my belief in him. I think we’re both very eager to do better at our jobs. I think we’re both very committed and trusting of each other to respond to what is necessary for the team to do better.”
Their dynamic quickly grew into one of the league’s most unique coach-quarterback partnerships
That is part trust, part design, and part belief. Tua’s processing and ball placement allowed McDaniel’s motion-heavy offense to flourish.
Since joining forces, the results have been impossible to ignore. In McDaniel’s first season (2022), the Dolphins finished 9–8 and returned to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Year two pushed the ceiling higher and an 11–6 record, which was one of the league’s most explosive offenses and stretches where Miami looked like a legitimate contender.
But 2024 saw regression, slipping to 8–9 and stoking questions about sustainability, health, and playoff readiness.
Across McDaniel’s first three years, the Dolphins have gone 28–23 in the regular season, made two straight playoff appearances, but still hold zero postseason wins.
Through that run, their relationship has remained the foundation of Miami’s identity. It has been simple: a coach who believes in his quarterback and a quarterback who plays his best football within that coach’s design.
It has been pairing that works beautifully when the system clicks and raises real questions about what happens if it ever ends. Now, as a reporter, Rapoport has shown everyone the instability in the Dolphins organization. Let’s see if Tua Tagovailoa stays with the Dolphins if McDaniel is removed following back-to-back losing seasons.