Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel opens up on must-win TNF battle vs Bills

Mike McDaniel and his Miami Dolphins enter Week 3 of the NFL 2025 season with a 0-2 record after a disappointing loss to the Indianapolis Colts (33-8) and a close defeat against the New England Patriots (33-27). McDaniel is rumored to be on the hot spot and dropping to 0-3 would be terrible for the Dolphins.

The Buffalo Bills will host them at Hallmark Stadium on Thursday to start Week 3, which could add more pressure to the Dolphins. McDaniel talked about the chance to play in primetime amid a mini crisis, but he is not denying to work hard. Per the team's unofficial transcript, McDaniel is not losing sleep over this game and what it could lead to.

“Thursday night games, after a loss they can be a blessing because you have no time to think about anything else and quite literally I can paint a picture that I think the team is understanding, is that every moment that you spend thinking about anything but the opponent is going to serve you in the worst,” McDaniel told reporters on Monday.

“So I think it’s extremely important that the guys are solely focused as I am on the Bills and nothing else because that’s all that does matter, and truth be told, that’s the formula for Week 3 every year regardless of your record.”

The Bills are 2-0 after winning a shootout against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 and a relatively easier win against the New York Jets on Sunday. Josh Allen and Co. are looking dangerous, and the Dolphins could be another victim if Mike McDaniel does not make adjustments.

NFL insider names potential replacement for Mike McDaniel

NFL insider Albert Breer has dropped a hint on a possible replacement for Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel after starting the season 0-2. Breer came on the Rich Eisen earlier this week, reviewing the state of things in NFL teams after week 2.

As per Breer, McDaniel's defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, is a favored candidate to replace the head coach if he is shown the door. He said:

"Another thing that’s lingering here is the fact that his defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, is beloved inside that building and is seen by a lot of people as a future head coach. So, if there comes a point where this really goes the wrong way, could Steven Ross say, ‘I want to take a look at Anthony Weaver as my head coach.’"

The Dolphins will face the Bills on Thursday in a possible make-or-break matchup for McDaniel's tenure in the side.