One mantra Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel started his tenure with was “I wish it were hotter.”

It was used to motivate players training in the heat and humidity of South Florida ahead of his first season at Miami’s helm in 2022.

Would he dare say the same of his already-hot seat entering his fourth season in 2025?

The 2024 season offered a hard dose of reality to him and general manager Chris Grier , both who must be feeling the pressure to deliver as the team went 8-9 and failed to reach the postseason last season.

The Dolphins were frugal in their spending in the offseason , a byproduct of the big contracts dished out in offseasons past. So the overall talent level of the roster may be operating at a net loss.

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith were traded as

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