When it comes to NFL head coaches, there isn’t a more unique personality than Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. He’s often unintentionally (and intentionally) hilarious. But there’s a reason why he has the respect of the locker room and the Dolphins at 5-1.
He simply knows how to coach. He’s also not one to throw his players under the bus.
While the Dolphins cruised to a 42-21 win against the Panthers, the game briefly turned interesting late when backup quarterback Mike White threw an interception that Troy Hill returned back all the way for a touchdown. The pass itself was ill advised and made for an easy interception.
But when it came time to go over the play with White, McDaniel didn’t pile on. Instead, the Dolphins coach took responsibility for the interception.
Watch coach Mike McDaniel take full responsibility for QB Mike White’s pick 6 late in the fourth quarter.
This is what you want in your head coach pic.twitter.com/RwjRJNef1S
— Jacob Meshel (@JacobMeshel) October 18, 2023
McDaniel said via mic’d-up footage from Inside the NFL:
“I feel really bad about that … I know. I thought there was no chance … I know, it was my fault. Just don’t sweat it. I know, it’s annoying me to.”
Players want to play for that kind of coach, and fans enjoyed hearing that exchange on the sidelines too.
This was how Twitter reacted
He’s a players coach through and through. 👍 https://t.co/yVtU2seBBg
— Ryan Tetlow (@BrokeFromKicks) October 18, 2023
When your boss actually admits their mistakes, it just lifts up the whole team… it’s a breath of fresh air. https://t.co/qNOaxrd5Hp
— SpottieOttie (@Dopaliscious1) October 19, 2023
Certainly not the Bill Parcells or Belichick approach – where everything is the player's fault.
— Harrison Hicks (@harrisonhicks) October 19, 2023
Mike white and Mike McDaniel trying to accept responsibility pic.twitter.com/TGQjRkq0kU
— Brian Mochtyak (@brian_mochtyak) October 18, 2023
White made em say it twice 😂
— VLKV (@Pelicruise) October 18, 2023
— Brad (@misterEbird) October 19, 2023