Mike McDaniel possesses one of the more distinctive coaching personalities in the NFL, whether interacting with players, fans, or the media.
During a recent address to the media, McDaniel, known for his unique approach, humorously shared that he advised players to respond to reporters in a lighthearted manner if asked about the Miami Dolphins’ potential playoff scenarios. He jokingly suggested that players should say, “f–k off, with all due respect,” if questioned about anything beyond their focus on the upcoming opponent, the Dallas Cowboys.
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“I instructed the players that anything other than concerning yourself with the next opponent, which for us is the Dallas Cowboys, any other narrative that has to do with good teams, or playoff seeds, or the next three games, all that stuff, I gave them the clearance to tell all members of the media, to, with all due respect, F off. With all due respect,” McDaniel said, via Pro Football Talk. “Because all we’re focused on is the Dallas Cowboys, and they definitely deserve our attention. So as we clean up our game from the previous, we’ll be thinking about that and the narratives will be what they be. We’re not really concerned. We know that will exist but it’s really inconsequential to what we’re trying to do.”
With a record of 10-4, the Dolphins hold a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. However, the Bills, who have defeated the Dolphins once this year, will have another opportunity to face them in Week 18.
If the Dolphins secure a victory against the Cowboys, they will have a chance to vie for the AFC’s No. 1 overall seed in Week 17 when they take on the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens, with an 11-3 record, will face the San Francisco 49ers in their upcoming game.
The regular season finale against the Bills will determine whether the Dolphins can clinch the AFC East, a title they haven’t won since 2008, and make consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 1997-2001.
Mike McDaniel’s humorous approach adds a unique dynamic to the team’s atmosphere.
