Darren Waller Says Dolphins Owner Interrupted Exit Interview to Fire Mike McDaniel
Context:
During a recent podcast, Darren Waller recounted the surprising circumstances of Mike McDaniel's firing as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Waller was in an exit interview with McDaniel when team owner Stephen Ross abruptly entered the room, leading to an awkward moment that hinted at the impending dismissal. After a brief discussion where they reflected on the past season, Waller left for treatment, only to learn later that McDaniel had been fired, which he described as 'cold.' As McDaniel seeks new coaching opportunities, Waller's future with the Dolphins remains uncertain, despite his successful season under McDaniel's leadership.
Dive Deeper:
Darren Waller, who returned to the NFL after a one-year retirement, shared his experience on Johnny Manziel's podcast regarding his exit interview with Mike McDaniel. He noted that he was likely the last person to speak with McDaniel before the coach was fired.
Waller described the meeting, which lasted about 10 minutes, during which McDaniel expressed a desire to have him back for the next season and discussed potential changes for the upcoming year.
The unexpected entrance of Stephen Ross into the meeting marked a turning point, as Waller observed a shift in the atmosphere and noted that Ross also expressed a desire for Waller to return.
After Ross's arrival, Waller felt something was off and left to get treatment, only to find out later that McDaniel had been let go, prompting his reaction of 'Damn, that's cold.'
In the season prior, Waller caught 24 passes for six touchdowns, matching his combined stats from his previous three seasons, highlighting the effectiveness of McDaniel's offensive scheme.
Mike McDaniel is currently in the process of interviewing for head coaching and offensive coordinator positions elsewhere in the league following his dismissal from the Dolphins.
Waller's future with the Dolphins is uncertain, especially after his candid remarks about McDaniel's firing, suggesting he might explore opportunities with whichever team McDaniel eventually joins.