"I turn into a robot that has no emotions": Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel doesn't mince words about Tua Tagovailoa's benching

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel gave a cold assessment of his approach to making difficult personnel decisions. The comments came as McDaniel addressed the media ahead of Miami's regular-season finale against New England.

McDaniel is entering his fourth season as Miami's head coach. He decided to replace Tua Tagovailoa with rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers following a 28-15 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 15. The move ended a partnership that had defined McDaniel's entire tenure with the Dolphins since 2022.

The coach spoke at his press conference, explaining his mindset when making choices that impact players' careers and the organization's direction. His job security hangs in the balance as Miami prepares to evaluate his future after the season.

"I have a steadfast agreement with myself that when it comes to obligations that the organization, the fan base, and that fall under my job responsibilities, I turn into a robot that has no emotions," McDaniel said on Friday.

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"It's irrelevant, erroneous. I'm sure those thoughts and, you know, really reflecting will come at some point. But my feelings don't help anyone. And I'm, that's my role. I'm the big helper with all things."

Mike McDaniel was hired primarily to address the issues with Tagovailoa after the quarterback's relationship with former coach Brian Flores deteriorated. The pair posted a 25-16 record when Tagovailoa started from 2022 to 2024.

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Mike McDaniel says tough decisions are part of a head coaching job

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins (Credits: IMAGN)

Mike McDaniel emphasized that personal emotions cannot factor into his decision-making process as head coach.

"It's my job to be able to make tough decisions and getting personal about decisions that have a lot of consequences for individuals in the collective whole, I take my job too serious to really even allow myself to go there," McDaniel said. "I think it's important that my head coaching decisions are based concretely in fact and the expertise that I have to have this job and then I operate accordingly."

When asked about Tua Tagovailoa's dismal performance, McDaniel said there were "compounding variables" but offered no concrete solution.

Miami will start Quinn Ewers on Sunday as McDaniel attempts to save his job.

Edited by nagpaltusharn25