Three hottest seats on the Miami Dolphins

In 2023, the Miami Dolphins won 11 games for the first time in 15 years but were labeled as pretenders rather than contenders for most of the season. 

Ultimately, the criticism was justified since Miami struggled against high-level competition and couldn't overcome some key injuries by the time the playoffs rolled around. 

Miami might not have the same expectations entering 2024 as last season, though several members of the organization have much to prove. With that in mind, here are three Dolphins on the hottest seats in 2024. 

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

The 26-year-old led the league in passing yards (4,624) during the 2023 season, but it's fair to question whether he should be Miami's quarterback of the future. Although Tagovailoa enjoyed his first injury-free season as a pro in 2023, his physical limitations and poor performance in critical situations have added to the concerns about his potential.

As CBS Sports' Jordan Dajani pointed out, Tagovailoa played considerably worse against teams that finished above .500 than against teams that did not. In six regular-season games against teams with a winning record, Miami went 1-5, with Tagovailoa averaging 232.3 passing yards and throwing seven touchdowns to six interceptions. In contrast, the Dolphins finished with a 10-1 record against losing teams, while Tagovailoa threw for 293.6 yards per game with 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Factor in Tagovailoa's 199-yard performance in Miami's wild-card loss to the Chiefs, which highlighted his lack of arm strength and mobility, and it's understandable to wonder if he can lead the team far in the postseason. Miami now finds itself in an uncomfortable position, considering Tagovailoa hopes to sign a massive long-term extension this offseason. 

Cornerback Cam Smith

Smith, who played at South Carolina with Dolphins GM Chris Grier's son, was Miami's first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft since the team forfeited its first-round pick. While Smith was initially drafted to serve as a depth piece and eventually become Xavien Howard's successor, he didn't get much of an opportunity when Miami needed help at cornerback.

Despite Jalen Ramsey missing the first seven games of the 2023 season and Howard missing four games of his own, Smith played just 20 defensive snaps for the Dolphins as a rookie. Additionally, Smith was a healthy scratch for three games, including Miami’s wild-card loss. 

Miami released Howard earlier this offseason, though it appears the original plan of Smith replacing him is no longer in place, as the team recently signed former Commanders CB Kendall Fuller to start opposite Ramsey. For a player whose work ethic has come under scrutiny in the past, Smith must prove in training camp that he won't turn out to be a draft bust.

Head coach Mike McDaniel 

McDaniel's quirky personality and self-deprecating humor have made him a breath of fresh air in the NFL coaching world. However, it's impossible to overlook that Miami has struggled down the stretch in his two seasons as the team's head coach. If this happens again, it wouldn't be surprising if the narrative around him shifts to suggest his coaching style isn't suitable for success in the NFL.  

However, that's not to say McDaniel is coaching for his job in 2024; he still has a 20-14 record and two playoff appearances since being hired in 2022. Even so, the Dolphins are 4-10 in December and January, including the playoffs under McDaniel, a mark that must significantly improve this season. Should the Dolphins fail to do so, McDaniel will be on one of the hottest seats among coaches entering the 2025 season.