Mike McDaniel speaking to reportersMike McDaniel (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniels is entering his third season with the franchise, and he looks nothing like the guy we met years ago.

Mike McDaniel has become a favorite of NFL fans for his dry humor and memorable press conferences, but he found himself being the butt of jokes for his new look.

 

Prior to a joint practice session with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, McDaniel sported a rather relaxed look when he held a media session with reporters.

 

McDaniel was donning shades and sporting a gold watch on his left wrist. His hair was quite frizzy.

 

Miami Vice Mike has a nice ring to it. He looks like a man who should be given a lifetime deal to be the head coach of the team until he decides to retire.

Whatever look he was going for, McDaniel has undoubtedly brought the swagger back to a Miami Dolphins franchise that has enjoyed playoff appearances with him than it has in the 20 years prior.

 

Mike McDaniel Heads Into A Pivotal 2024 Campaign For Him And The Franchise

 

Before Mike McDaniel walked the sidelines in Miami, the franchise had only been to the playoffs twice in twenty years.

 

With him, they have been to the playoffs twice in two years. Each time resulted in a wildcard loss.

In fact, the franchise has lost in the playoffs on five occasions dating back to 2001. The last playoff victory was in 2000, per Wikipedia.

 

Last season, the Dolphins finished second in the AFC East with an 11-6 record. The team had one All-Pro, Tyreek Hill, and six Pro Bowlers, including Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jalen Ramsey.

 

This year, Mike McDaniel is hoping to have his team go through a deeper playoff run.