If anything can be said with certainty about the 2025 Miami Dolphins, it's that they were not a third-quarter football team.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has been on the hot seat, and an update on his status came out right before the Week 18 game against the Patriots.

The Dolphins will make a lot of changes in 2026, but insiders say Mike McDaniel appears likely to stick around.

The job security of Mike McDaniel has remained a talking point for much of the 2025 season. The late stages of the campaign have seen improved play in the case of the Dolphins, though, pointing to stability on the sidelines for next year.

McDaniel said “in the first half, the game felt the way we anticipated it. We were going against a good opponent and we were going to have to make some plays. It was a one score game, 10 to 17. The interception [by Quinn Ewers in the third quarter] and the drive down for a touchdown appeared to break the team’s back.”

Despite the Miami Dolphins winning five of their past seven games, head coach Mike McDaniel's job reportedly may not be safe.

Against all odds, McDaniel survived the entire season with the Miami Dolphins. His future with the team, however, is still up in the air.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel talks about Tua Tagovailoa's struggles, Quinn Ewers living "fearlessly" in the pocket, MVP De'Von Achane.

The Patriots are playing for seeding on Sunday. The Dolphins are playing for pride. Yet, New England leads Miami only 17-10 at halftime. The Patriots need help from the Chargers, who trail the Broncos 10-3 at halftime.