McDaniel’s approach shields Waller from overexposure in camp, balancing conditioning with football shape while Smith and Waller sync for a potentially higher-octane passing attack once healthy.

McDaniel, Miami’s head coach, is lauded by Johnson for the Dolphins’ run game and offensive design. The piece emphasizes McDaniel’s schematic prowess, the “mad scientist” label, and how health (notably Tagovailoa) has driven Miami’s playoff streak when available. His offensive system is highlighted as a model of space creation and versatility that has kept the Dolphins competitive in a tough AFC East.

McDaniel’s call to run a starter series in the preseason opener frames the Dolphins as a team prioritizing evaluation of a starter's rhythm over pure experimentation. His philosophy on workload and situational use sets the tone for Week 1, where decisions around which players to deploy will be deeply scrutinized by fantasy managers.

Mike McDaniel’s involvement in joint-practice sessions adds a measured, hands-on coaching element during a tense camp period, framing how the Dolphins manage competitive energy in practice environments.

McDaniel intervened in a skirmish during joint practice, showcasing his commitment to team unity. His proactive approach emphasizes control and discipline, illustrating how he prioritizes effective practice over unnecessary conflicts.