With Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel perhaps a dead man walking, there has been recent speculation about who could possibly be his successor. Last week, NFL insider Tony Pauline tabbed former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan as someone who could potentially replace McDaniel.
But according to Ryan himself, the Dolphins have yet to be in contact with him about such an opportunity. When speaking on whether he’s heard from the Dolphins in light of recent buzz, he had a succinct and straightforward answer.
.@Espngreeny: "We will keep an eye on the coaching situation in [Miami]."
Rex Ryan: "Hold on, I better take this." 😂 pic.twitter.com/9aJxom0xnk
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 13, 2025
“Hell no,” Ryan said.
Ryan’s comments may pour a little bit of cold water on the rumor. Plus, it’s no guarantee that he would even be the right man for the job, as he might have to shake off some rust if he did re-enter the league’s coaching ranks.
After all, Ryan hasn’t served as a head coach at the NFL level in almost a decade. The last time he held that title was when he was the Bills’ head coach all the way back in the 2016 campaign, and Buffalo had a mediocre 7-8 record under his leadership that season before he was fired ahead of the finale.
For the last time Ryan coached a team to a winning record, one has to travel back to the 2010 season. He was the head coach of the Jets back then. New York did enjoy some playoff success under his guidance.
Even if it’s up for debate as to whether Ryan has what it takes to be a successful head coach still, it would probably be wise for the Dolphins to consider a leadership change. McDaniel has seemingly run out his welcome in Miami, as the team is on track to miss the playoffs for a second season in a row.
After Miami underperformed in the 2024 season and ended up with just eight wins, the team has a record of 1-5 so far this season. The horrid start has some wondering if the best thing for the franchise would be a 1-16 finish.
Hopefully, if the Dolphins do pull the plug on the McDaniel era in Miami sooner rather than later, they will install a talented head coach to be his successor.
