The Highs and Lows of the Dolphins 2024 Season
The Miami Dolphins wrapped up their 2024 campaign with an 8-9 record, falling short of playoff expectations for the first time under head coach Mike McDaniel. A season that began with high hopes ended with a disappointing loss to the New York Jets on January 5th, leaving the team on the outside of the playoff picture. In response, the Dolphins announced changes to their coaching staff, parting ways with special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and wide receivers coach/pass game specialist Wes Welker. “I am grateful for Danny’s contributions and dedication to the Dolphins over the course of many seasons, as well as the numerous ways he helped me as a head coach,” McDaniel said in a statement. “I also want to thank Wes for his investment here. This was not a decision I came to lightly, but as I have evaluated the season and areas where we must improve, I believe that change is needed and am motivated to do what is best for the team as we move forward.”
Wes Welker, a former NFL standout receiver, spent three seasons with the Dolphins coaching staff after a stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Under his guidance, Miami’s wide receiver duo of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill consistently excelled. Waddle reached a career-high 1,356 receiving yards in 2022, while Hill posted an astonishing 1,799 yards in 2023. Despite a sharp drop in production in 2024, Hill managed just 959 yards with 123 targets compared to 1,799 yards on 171 targets in 2023, the duo’s potential remained clear. Before coaching, Welker enjoyed a storied playing career, leading the league in receptions three times while playing with Tom Brady in New England. His time as both a player and coach has cemented his reputation as a football mind, and he’s likely to find another opportunity soon.
Danny Crossman joined the Dolphins in 2019 as their special teams coordinator and served in the same capacity through multiple coaching regimes. He also held the assistant head coach title during the 2021 season. While Crossman’s experience includes stints with the Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions, McDaniel ultimately decided the special teams unit needed a new direction after an uneven 2024 campaign. The Dolphins’ 2024 season was riddled with challenges, highlighted by a 1-5 record against teams that finished with winning records and a 1-4 mark against playoff teams. Injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa compounded their struggles, as Miami’s performance significantly dipped in games he did not start or finish. Some key metrics illustrate the team’s difficulties, such as Tyreek Hill’s drop in receiving yards from 2023 to 2024, which totaled 840 yards. Additionally, Hill experienced a reduction in targets by 48 from the previous season despite playing an extra game in 2024. Compounding these challenges, Miami's current 2025 cap space is $2.6 million over the cap, leaving limited room for any significant roster improvement.
Despite the team’s overall struggles, rookie defender Chop Robinson provided hope for the future. After a slow start, Robinson exploded in the second half of the season, highlighted by a dominant 10-pressure, two-sack performance in Week 12 against the Patriots. Robinson’s elite speed and improved technique as a pass rusher showcased All-Pro potential, offering the Dolphins a foundation to build upon on the defensive side of the ball. With limited cap space and the need for significant improvement, McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier face a critical offseason. Coaching staff changes are just the first step in addressing the team’s shortcomings and positioning Miami for a stronger 2025 campaign. Fans will hope the Dolphins can bounce back next season, as the team’s talented core, including Tagovailoa, Waddle, Hill, and Robinson, remains intact. For now, the focus shifts to retooling and rebounding from a rollercoaster 2024 season.
