Mike McDaniel’s most recent talk with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross after Week 5 loss to Carolina doesn’t sound like it was a very pleasant experience

Doesn’t sound like a very pleasant chat for Mike McDaniel and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross!

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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The Miami Dolphins, sitting at 1-4 on the season, will play host to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday as the heat cranks up on the season. With a second win slipping through their fingers late against Carolina, the Dolphins must now pick up the pieces and do so in a hurry. For head coach Mike McDaniel, he’s already started that process with his team.

And, during his Monday afternoon press conference, he revealed that he also did that with the man who signs his checks — team owner Stephen Ross. The two had a debriefing call after Sunday’s game, and, according to McDaniel‘s account, it didn’t sound like a very enjoyable conversation.

Stephen Ross apparently feels very similar to the rest of us

Feb 10, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross speaks during a press conference introducing new Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel (not pictured) at Baptist Health Training Center. © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

“Yeah, (Ross) was really frustrated — just as I was — and we talked about the challenge ahead to get ready for the Chargers. And that was kind of the extent of it,” said McDaniel.

Part of that challenge will come from the X’s & O’s. But the game day operations for Miami in Week 6 could have their fair share of distractions, too. Dolphins fans have flown banners over Hard Rock Stadium ahead of each of Miami’s first two home games of the season. So much for the friendly confines of home.

Dolphins fans are getting increasingly frustrated and impatient in what was supposed to be a competitive season through transition.

Miami Dolphins 2025 Upcoming Schedule

  • Week 6: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (3-2)
  • Week 7: @ Cleveland Browns (1-4)
  • Week 8: @ Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
  • Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens (1-4)
  • Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills (4-1)

There’s been a transition. But the competitiveness? Not so much. And Ross, for his part, said at the end of 2024 that the status quo of Miami’s season last year was not good enough. The Dolphins, at this rate, will be lucky to win eight games in 2025.

So with each passing week and each passing loss, one has to imagine that the conversations between McDaniel and Ross will become increasingly more uncomfortable. But as of this loss after Week 5, things already sound like they’re not very pleasant.

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