MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he was “in conversations” with team ownership involving the decision to have Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman assist in the search for the team’s next general manager.
The big news for the Dolphins on Thursday night was that Aikman, who also serves as a NFL television analyst, will assist the franchise in its search for a general manager. The Dolphins parted ways with ex-general manager Chris Grier on Halloween.
“I’m not opposed to more information ever,” McDaniel said. “I think (in) prioritizing the importance of a decision, you educate yourself. And I think Troy Aikman speaks for himself in terms of his relationships that he’s had within the National Football League and knows a lot of things. Information is a positive to me. And being able to resource that, we’re fortunate. I’m excited for that.”
McDaniel, after being asked if he thinks Aikman’s participation in the GM search affects his job status for 2026, reiterated he doesn’t think about his future.
“As far as everything else, again, I’m not going to spend one second of this job prioritizing what my job is under some other, ‘Does this work for me?’ ” he said. “My priority is I’m a head coach and I’m going to take those responsibilities (seriously) as they relate to everybody involved in the organization. I’m going to take those serious and focus on that. And I’m not joking, lying, misleading. I don’t think about all those questions ever. It’s a waste of my time and I don’t try to waste my time or other people’s.”
Also, McDaniel seemed to be aware that Aikman, working as a television analyst, was critical of the Dolphins’ clock management in the game at Pittsburgh on Dec. 15.
“When things work, people will applaud,” McDaniel said. “When they don’t work they’ll have critiques. And if I expect anything else that’s a level of entitlement that doesn’t really hit me correctly. So it’s kind of the nature of the biz. So you’re telling me he didn’t like us not scoring points and taking up too much time. Neither did I. That was not the intent, and he’s doing his job.
“And when I signed up for this job, it was inherent that results dictate all narratives regardless of if something was good, bad, or whatever. So it doesn’t bother me in the least. As a matter of fact, I think it would be funny if it did.”
Chubb gives thumbs up to Champ Kelly
Champ Kelly, the Dolphins interim general manager, has a major supporter in outside linebacker Bradley Chubb, the team leader in sacks (8.5), a team captain and the Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, who wishes “nothing but the best for him.”
Kelly, who is incredibly popular among everyone from players to security workers at Hard Rock Stadium, was appointed interim general manager after Grier’s dismissal. Kelly, hired by the Dolphins in March as senior personnel executive, will reportedly get an interview for the job.
Chubb was asked about Kelly on Wednesday.
“He’s an outstanding dude,” Chubb began. “I was actually talking to ‘JB’ (outside linebacker Jordyn Brooks) about this not too long ago; it’s funny how God works because at the beginning of the season during camp and (organized team activities), he had torn his Achilles so he was in the training room, just around, in the sauna, in the cold tub.
“Us being players, we just see him in there, talking to him, building that relationship without him even possibly being the GM at the time, and then when he did become the GM, we already had that relationship with him. Everybody already had that certain type of familiarity with him. He just stayed doing the same things he was doing.
“He’s always around, always rapping it with us, talking with us, joking with us,” Chubb continued. “It’s just like we didn’t miss a beat from the person who was the executive to the person who’s the GM now. He just carries that same energy through the games. You look over to the sideline, you see him, it just makes you want to go a little harder because he cares about it, his heart is in it. It was in it before he got that job, too, so it’s been dope to see. I wish nothing but the best for him.”
Waller, Fitzpatrick to miss finale
Tight end Darren Waller (groin) has been placed on the injured reserve list, meaning his season is over, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) has been declared “out” for the New England game, according to the week’s final report on Friday.
Seven players are questionable: running back De’Von Achane (shoulder), wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ribs), center Aaron Brewer (neck), linebacker Jordyn Brooks (hamstring), outside linebackers Chop Robinson (concussion) and Quinton Bell (illness), and right tackle Austin Jackson (groin). Achane hasn’t practiced all week.
McDaniel said kicker Riley Patterson will handle kicking duties instead of the team activating kicker Jason Sanders (hip) from the injured reserve list.
In a roster move, the Dolphins signed running back Donovan Edwards off Washington’s practice squad and placed him on the active roster. The Dolphins released cornerback Clarence Lewis from the practice squad.
Chop assessment
Robinson, the 2024 first-round pick who is trying to rebound from a concussion sustained last week, has had a tough year statistically with 4.0 sacks after posting 6.0 last year as a rookie. Outside linebackers coach Sean Ryan was asked about areas where Robinson has done well this season.
“I think, No. 1, he’s taking on different blocks in the run game,” Ryan said. “I think he improved there. I think he’s always going to work on rushing the passer because it’s one of his strengths. But I think his counter rushes, things that he does off of what he does really well.
“But those counter rushes, when the speed and the things off the edge don’t work, what do you have next to go to? And I think he really developed in those ways. So those two stand out to me right off the jump, to be honest with you.”
Wease gets praise
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. (three receptions, 95 yards, one touchdown) has been a preferred target for rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, largely because of their time together in training camp and on the practice squad. Wide receivers coach Robert Prince said he’s seen development from Wease this season even though he’s only played in two games.
“The thing with Theo is he was one of the guys that we really targeted, looking to draft him,” Prince said. “He fell through the cracks and we were able to get him so we’re extremely happy with that and with his development.”
Prince credited Jonathan Krause, the Dolphins’ assistant wide receivers coach, for working with Wease as well as other practice squad wide receivers Tahj Washington and A.J. Henning after practice to sharpen their techniques.
“That’s really helped speed up the process with those guys,” Prince said, “and you can see the proof in the pudding with Theo.”
