Stephen A. Smith expressed disbelief over the Miami Dolphins’ decision to part ways with general manager Chris Grier while retaining head coach Mike McDaniel. On Friday’s broadcast of ESPN’s “First Take,” the outspoken analyst criticized Dolphins owner Stephen Ross for his move, especially with the NFL trade deadline looming on November 4.
The Dolphins entered the discussion following a dismal 2-7 start to the season and a humiliating 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. The defeat featured an emotional sideline outburst from a frustrated McDaniel.
“This is BS. That’s the first fire? Really? That’s what we’re doing?” Smith questioned. “It was about Tua (Tagovailoa), it was about Mike McDaniel. And the brother gets fired first? All I know is this, I better hear Mike McDaniel’s name today. It better not be just Chris Grier.”
Smith emphasized his support for the dynamic between head coaches and general managers but stressed accountability. “I’m all for brothers as head coaches and GMs, we know what battles I’ve been fighting for over 30 years. But when you don’t get the job done, you don’t get the job done.”
While Smith understood the rationale behind firing Grier—who led the Dolphins to just three playoff appearances since becoming general manager in 2016—he couldn’t wrap his head around why Ross didn’t make a stronger statement by also addressing McDaniel’s job security.
“Mike McDaniel with the glasses, giving one-word answers at the press conference, looking like a man from the Geek Squad from Best Buy coaching on the damn sideline, that brother gets to keep his job for the rest of the season with how this team has looked?” Smith remarked. “Nah, that’s BS. I don’t want to hear that. That man needs to be gone too.”
McDaniel, who is biracial, holds a 30-30 record over four seasons as Dolphins head coach and is 0-2 in the playoffs. The team is on track for a second consecutive losing season under his leadership. According to ESPN, McDaniel is expected to remain with the team through the rest of the season.
Miami’s struggles are evident in the rankings—28th in yards per game and 23rd in yards allowed. The offense has been hampered by the loss of star receiver Tyreek Hill, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 against the New York Jets. Meanwhile, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is enduring a tough year, with 15 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and his lowest passer rating since his rookie season.
Smith voiced skepticism about McDaniel’s continued tenure if the Dolphins are truly aiming for a reset. “This team is nosediving and he’s the first to go?” Smith questioned regarding Grier’s firing. “It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. That’s all I’m trying to say. It just does. I don’t like it.”
Concluding, Smith made his position clear: “I just find it hard to stomach watching these dudes that we sit up here and look at Mike McDaniel still having a job as a head coach. I just find it hard to stomach.”
https://nypost.com/2025/11/01/sports/stephen-a-smith-lashes-out-at-dolphins-for-firing-gm-while-keeping-geek-squad-coach/
