NFL

Dolphins fire head coach Mike McDaniel

The Dolphins had days — and weeks, if you want to get technical — to fire McDaniel, so waiting until yesterday was confusing. Nonetheless, Miami is choosing a full reset, having both its head coach and general manager seats open.

Owner Stephen Ross isn’t afraid to go big-game hunting, which could’ve been a factor in the nature and timing of McDaniel’s firing. Perhaps Ross saw an attractive name — ahem, John Harbaugh — on the market and opted to clean house in advance of a pursuit. Adam Schefter stated that’s not the case, but even the top insiders are occasionally hard to believe.

McDaniel should have his pick of the litter of offensive coordinator jobs. The Lions reportedly have already reached out, and it’s hard not to see him kicking butt in that role. No matter where the former head coach lands, he’ll bring innovative and fresh ideas. Miami’s play calling was far from the issue in South Beach this season.

Grade: B+

Buccaneers fire offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard

The Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator position was billed as a great job entering the season, but Grizzard lasted just one year in the post. Given Liam Coen’s success with both Tampa Bay and the Jaguars, it’s a near certainty that he was at least partially responsible for the Buccaneers’ offensive aptitude in 2024.

Grizzard wasn’t the only firing in Tampa Bay yesterday, but he’s the most notable. Todd Bowles is shaking up his staff, and it’s hard to blame him. The NFC South was practically handed on a platter to the Buccaneers this year and the organization dropped it, just like how Kevin Malone dropped his famous chili in The Office.

All kidding aside, the Buccaneers need to find an offensive play caller that can get Baker Mayfield and the unit back on track. Tampa Bay had its share of injuries — Tristan Wirfs and Mike Evans were the most notable players sidelined — on its scoring unit, but the franchise rightfully isn’t using that as an excuse.

It’ll be playoffs or bust for the Buccaneers — and Bowles — in 2026.

Grade: B+

NCAAF

(10) Miami 31, (6) Ole Miss 27

I’ll be honest — I didn’t think we’d get a game this thrilling last night. Tonight, a matchup between Big Ten powers, was supposed to be the best game of the semifinals, or so I believed.

I’m not sure which team to credit for that. On one hand, Miami characteristically controlled the line of scrimmage, running the ball a whopping 51 times. The Hurricanes also made their fair share of errors, both tactical and disciplinary, which allowed Ole Miss to shine. The Rebels played with urgency and aggression, utilizing a pass-focused attack late in the game. That created plenty of fireworks.

Starting from the beginning, though, Ole Miss looked overmatched. Miami moved the ball with relative ease, as evidenced by the Hurricanes having the ball for over 41 minutes. That allowed Mark Fletcher to get plenty of work. The running back tallied 22 carries for 133 yards. CharMar Brown was a contributor, too, scoring a touchdown on 54 rushing yards.

Miami wouldn’t have found the success on the ground it did without its blockers, namely right tackle Francis Mauigoa. This contest was played at the Arizona Cardinals’ State Farm Stadium, and interestingly enough, the franchise holds the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft. Will Mauigoa call State Farm Stadium home next season?

Miami won this game because of its draftable talent, so Mauigoa obviously wasn’t the only prospect that suited up for the Hurricanes. Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor should hear their names called early in the draft, but neither made a dent yesterday. The duo combined for five tackles, and didn’t own much real estate in Ole Miss’ backfield.

The book on Carson Beck as a player is mostly written, but his journey isn’t over. The quarterback is inconsistent, often inaccurate, but somehow continues to find himself playing in big games. Is that all to his credit? Of course not, but Beck is proving himself to be a gamer, and his recent success on the ground has added a new wrinkle to his effectiveness. With Miami’s season hanging in the balance, Beck raced to the end zone for a three-yard, go-ahead touchdown.

This was a crushing defeat for Ole Miss, and it’s hard to imagine the Rebels being back in the semifinals any time soon.

Lane Kiffin’s departure was supposed to put this program in the dirt, however, and that didn’t happen. For that, Ole Miss should be proud.