Miami's Mike McDaniel on Unique Coaching, Bond w/ Players, Lessons from Losses & AFC East |The Pivot

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Prior to kicking off the NFL season, Coach McDaniel found some time for us to sit with him and talk about life lessons, football and what's ahead. A man who had a dream from a young age and passion for football took his dream and parlayed it into a head coaching job in the National Football League and has created something special with his team in South Florida.
A Yale graduate, making him an unique candidate and person for being a head coach in the NFL but also makes him stand out and be someone who captivates people and his players with such a different coaching style and his young age also generates a lot of buzz but all factors that McDaniel said he embraces. The conversation and wisdom in his words is something players latch onto but also his academic analyzation of Xs and Os is something that makes Miami a team with an aggressive offense and team that problem solves to only get better each week.
With the Miami Dolphins projected to be one of the top teams in the AFC, McDaniel talks about how he welcomes the competition and says if you can't play against the best then what's the purpose in the long run. In a tough division with the Bills, Jets and Patriots, McDaniel says it's a title up for grabs and any team can win and focusing on the present and each day is a chance to be the best. Fascinated by his coaching style and relationship with players, the guys dive into what has shaped McDaniel and his coaching approach and what is the mindset into each day, each game and with different players.
Talking about life Pivots, McDaniel further expounds on his time away from the NFL because of his alcohol related issues and how losing something you love is painful but carrying that pain of the loss is something that motivates you everyday to be the best you and make the most of every opportunity. He also talks about becoming a father has been one of the most moving and powerful experiences that keeps him going each day and wanting to be the best him.
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[@ColinCaptures]

"The past is something you can't control; but through the present, you can determine what the past was." 🔥 Mike McDaniel is that guy

[@grahamtaylor4922]

deep af

[@kawehionalani3957]

Hindsight is 20/20

[@jdmwizzard9730]

This guy is redefining what a coach is. Similar to curry and the 3 pointer

[@benjieking3138]

The greatest quote I took from this interview 🗝️

[@drumking7369]

16:24 😎

[@freehippiejay]

The Pivot will have you liking and rooting for EVERYONE of their guests. Great show

[@martinhill2506]

To literally had folks here I’ve not liked ever and now I’m following them 😅

[@williepreston228]

It was my first time ever listening and I'm glad I did.

[@ryanmatt5541]

Still not a fan of the pouncey twins, but i get what you’re saying lol

[@chinqlinq89]

I knew nothing about Mike McDaniels but just thought to myself that he looks like a nerd that no way has the respect or control of the locker room. I judged him like an immature high school bully 😂 Now I’m watching the dolphins every week.

[@user-ow4ke3ct4r]

That's the damn truth!

[@SamiOnTap]

Mike is honestly so funny, different than most coaches, I love it.

[@Whatsthedill_ENT]

GO HAWKS!

[@yonathanseleshi]

Listen to this man... "The past is something you can't control, but in my opinion, through the present you ca determine what the past was". .. Love that. 16:20

[@vantasticvanmail]

That one resonated with me too.

[@VaanRavi]

Yall must be high. It wasn't that deep

[@Fierceaugleo]

That sounds like a line coming from some deep weed smoking...?

[@OG_Benji]

@@VaanRaviwho’s saying it deep? You must be high. It’s great advice.

[@kawehionalani3957]

A fancy way of saying hindsight is 20/20

[@walabok1269]

The closing segment about fatherhood is one of the BEST OF ALL TIMES! Even the body language of of the hosts shows how they resonate! Thanks again for this helluva gem. God bless! (from a late bloomer, unmarried and with no kids... but after this interview I'm reconsidering ;)

[@user-hg5sq2fj8m]

Tomlin and McDaniel… best two HC in the league w/ interviews. Learn as much about life as football listening to those leader of men

[@judywilson2444]

AMEN

[@Saveahorse82]

Back to back bangers. As a 49er fan I know all about this guy. He is the one who came up with the idea to put Deebo in the backfield. I definitely follow the Dolphins and root for them just not when they play the 9ers.

[@jamesminor541]

😢😢

[@niner_4159]

Real talk %100

[@joshuaquirarte587]

W niners fan 😊

[@codyslzr]

See you in the Super Bowl baby

[@stickybunnn]

Deebo did have his career year under McDaniel

[@natefam4145]

I'm not a Dolphins fan, but I'm rooting for Mike. Wow, he's absolutely authentic!

[@esantana6722]

Man... I thought he was an I.T guy!!! He's a real one for sure..

[@LKS-M9323]

​@@esantana6722😭😭😭 check out my coach swagged out on the sideline during a game. Mike scream IT but the drip let you know he be at all the cookouts 😂😂😂

[@mattsims7530]

I hope he's in between jobs when Andy Reid retires.

[@rthfalconer1306]

After the clown car parade of coaches we've had to suffer through since Jimmy Johnson quit and Marino retired, I can't tell you how grateful we are as a fan base for this dude. Rooting hard for this guy

[@jckdnls9292]

Cmon man show David Wannstedt some love... Lol I know he wasnt the brightest but he was always honeys and humble and did right by the players and fans.

[@rthfalconer1306]

@@jckdnls9292 For sure--wannstedt was a good DC who got a HC job and didn't have a QB and didn't know how to find one. The GM at the time didn't draft Drew Brees because "they felt good about Fiedler" lmao we have been suffering for so long 😭

[@privateusername2222]

Unreal interview. DO HIM EVERY WEEK.

[@tonygaertner8863]

Pause

[@Tylochead]

Man the dolphins are lucky. This guy is a gem

[@Michael-ld2np]

One of your best interviews yet. His journey was actually rough; now he’s one of the best coaches in the NFL.

[@TheWholeFNShow5]

This interview and the coach Tomlin interview really hit me. These two polar opposites but yet deep in their own ways and understands the person they're coaching. Great show. Thank you Channing, Fred and RC!

[@bankheadjr88]

Coach McDaniel is my all time favorite Phins coach next to Shula. In his short tenure he has restored the happiness I had as a child being a phins fan watching games with my dad. Keep prospering coach and wishing him peace,health, and happiness. Phins up!! 💪🏾

[@markusstevensakabiginfinit9523]

I meet Mike long time ago... He's such a good dude & loves the game so much.... and everytime he talks, I feel like I need to roll up LOL

[@davonwashington8237]

Chan had RC rolling at the beginning 😂😂😂

[@owenjames4376]

Probably the best interview they’ve had… this was unbelievable.

[@ferrisganzman7727]

Being a serious "not serious" person is what makes Mike McDaniel such an inspiration. I don't know if that makes sense to everyone but, I am happy for the success this man is having because he is absolutely loving every step of the way and elevating others to be there too. It is an earned privilege to be able to do something that you love every day and feel the tremendous responsibility that comes with it when you are put in a leadership position. I hope one day I get a chance to meet him and just talk the shit, seriously and not, cause he is a rare breed in ANY field. It takes an incredible amount of will power and humility to understand yourself, therefore, being able to understand and empathize others to the level he can. Thank you Channing, Fred and Ryan for having him as a guest and creating the space for such amazing conversations to happen.

[@cyrils2692]

Quite Impressive. The Pivot has NEVER DISAPPOINTED !!!!!

[@seanc6754]

Mike is my now my fav coach of all time..not only is he hilarious but i love the humbleness

[@leekyoverhere]

I don't say this often or lightly, listening to him speak through this, this is a brilliant and cerebral man

[@miamidolphinsfan]

he has a degree frpm Yale.....he played football, and got a degree from an Ivy League school, where you know the ciriculum is freakin' tough

[@tonygaertner8863]

IVY league schools don’t mean anything these days man. Harvard admits kids based on social presence these days

[@timwilliams3915]

By far my favorite guest. It was the quietest Chan, Freddy, n' RC have been on any show. IMO! Just seeing that can tell u a lil on how people gravitate towards him. Much respect and great interview.. as always boyz!

[@LKS-M9323]

As a Dolphins fan I've heard Mike speak alot and he honestly can be a motivational speaker. He has a natural feel for it. He's long winded in his responses but within that you get alot of information and perspective. RC does cut in 2 or 3 times to make sure more gets covered but Yeah Mike's Awesome

[@zacharydillon3558]

This is such an incredible look at Mike McDaniel. Love these humans together

[@carsonnative]

This hit different after this guy's team put up 70 ....

[@JoeMcCord-mh2oj]

Mike has the supernatural ability to just shed skin and rebuild himself that comes from mastering addiction and having a messed up childhood. When he discovers that something about himself is prohibitive to him getting where he needs to be he just offboards it entirely. Creates new traits, new habits... These type of people are the absolute best to learn from, but they don't comprehend that most other people literally can't do it because you have to go through messed up stuff to develop it. When he said "coaching is easy" and then just summarised it the way he did "football players just want someone who can help them", it's like everyone else is thinking "yeah duh but what about the ridiculous play designs and playcalling etc. etc." but to Mike, the big realisations are the things that matter the most, the minutiae, the problem solving and detail work is just shit that he can figure out on the fly.

[@williepreston228]

As a dolphins fan, this shit is fire.🔥🔥

[@truce11]

(16:22) ".. the past is something you can't control... But IMO... through the present, you can determine what the past was"

[@randomdudehere4828]

It’s cool watching this when I just watched his team put 70 points on the broncos.. wish this dude nothing but the best. As a niners fan i miss this dude on our team

[@tajkjones]

I love that this man is the Head Coach of my Dolphins! For those of you who never played football, Mike McDaniel is the total opposite of the typical coach you encounter as a player. I see why his players love him! He said, and I'm paraphrasing, "Just because you're in charge doesn't mean building relationships with your players should be weird." Most people are stuck on power, but in my opinion, the most powerful person in the room is the person who has it, but you'll never know it. Phins Up!!!

[@CSpad]

While I understand what you mean. Basically, there's more than 1 way to skin a cat. Mike played college ball & been around hard nose coaches. Mike Shanahan is old school. But, overall, it's kind of the natural evolution of where the game would have to go. Even at lower levels, players start asking "why" instead of the old style of "cause I said so" doesn't fly. Plus, every1 has access to more information & it's about knowing "why" to get better.

[@j-no5655]

Miami Mike is gonna take us to the promise land 🎉

[@JJ-pd4sz]

The Young Goach!!! I’m proud to have you as the head coach of the team I have watched since I was a child. You deserve all your success brother. Phins up baby !!!

[@Rodnyet]

Another great interview fellas. Mike McDaniels is an offensive genius, his offense was great in SF and now he's doing the same thing in Miami.

[@rdz2030]

I like Mike a lot but don’t get it twisted - the offense in SF is Shanahan’s…

[@waynow5]

I sure wish my Steelers OC was like him. Ours sucks. 😆 That said, this dude is hysterical and damn good at his job.

[@topher3178]

@@rdz2030that’s why Mike McDaniel in 1 year has teams mimicking his offense he created !! IN 1 YEAR!!!!!

[@rdz2030]

@@topher3178 they’re mimicking a derivative of the Shanahan offense

[@MacLeethal_87]

Mike has been with Shanahan through multiple teams though so of course he’s going to take some things from him. What do you think he learned . But it’s not just about the place is about how you call those please what personnel you have to run them it’s more than just play Calling

[@jsiva2852]

This is going to be a classic! Mike is so witty!

[@49erLAKERS]

Get off his 🥜's

[@jsiva2852]

@@49erLAKERS no I will not. Pause. hahaha. Mike is the man!

[@admwadenx]

​@@jsiva2852😅😅😅😅

[@kevincosio3327]

I’m soo proud of my coach. Truly a special human & a legend in the making🙏🏻

[@derekbamberger7325]

Great interview ive been wanting to hear mike McDaniel in an interview not just press stuff. Plz get Dan Campbell on here soon as well

[@eastblue42]

MCDC would be DOPE

[@Fierceaugleo]

I think Mcdanield smokes weed on the side?

[@bmbgoblin305]

​@@Fierceaugleomost definitely probably invited ricky over when he got hired

[@Hiipower23]

Mike McDaniels became one of my favorite coaches last year man he a vibe😂😂😂

[@Jen-vc7oq]

I absolutely was glued in from the very beginning. What an amazing person, and coach. Thank you Miami for bringing in Mike McDaniel. Phins up baby 🐬🐬🐬

[@lockyock7]

I've never flipped a pair of draws in my life 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 channing is wild on that one. Niner nation 49ers fan 4 life!!!

[@MARYBLEUZ]

That's our Coach! We all love and respect him here in Miami! He's the best of the best

[@bighek561]

Honestly this has been the best pivot episode by far. Relatable is by far beyond...not enough time for the thoughts. 💯🐬👆🏼

[@9teenhundred85]

I have so much in common with coach. Not having a dad around we run from a lot of darkness we don’t wanna deal with. I could hear this man talk for hours

[@LKS-M9323]

Trust me if you let him he will go on and on for hours . Mike that guy fr fr

[@Keenan__]

Wow!! this is the type of insight/ vulnerability that is necessary in sports and media. Great show gentlemen 👏

[@b1_Commanders]

Solid interview, potential is the sky for this coach

[@jcana306]

Fan of this dude, appreciate you coach for rocking with the pivot and sharing your expertise!

[@likestotapass]

I like this Coach. He's funny, intelligent and just seems like a cool guy. I hope he wins a super bowl at some point.

[@tommclain8893]

I always wondered his story. After this more than qualified to design, direct and lead. Pivot keeps on lighting up the scoreboard.

[@andresmoot1505]

MM is special. Like Channing said he’s intense but it’s different He will take us where we want to go and I’m here for it. Great great great episode

[@ryanybarbo9750]

It was when he started talking about his daughter that moved meeee!! I literally cried and felt closer to him as a person! It’s gonna be hard not to root for Coach! One hell of a guy and what an honor to be able to see into his life and mindset through The Pivot, thank y’all!

[@jesusr.7829]

Any team would be lucky to have this man as there head coach funny and smart. Good luck phins

[@JeffGoldberg561]

It's always great to hear from people that don't fit the mold. Refreshing!

[@6ixGuy]

I think people throw the word genius out too often. But in the case of Mike McDaniel, listening to this man speak, he gets IT! Loved this interview and listening to his story and how he relates it back to football. I won't lie I want to hear his thoughts on world issues type shit, this man is DEEP like Channing said. Big ups to the pivot for this one!

[@Msnellbespoke]

❤❤❤

[@esantana6722]

Could you imagine this dude, McVay and Shanahan in one room... holy s#!+

[@CSpad]

I was so deep into thought & enjoying the interview that when Channing said that ish about him being so intense. It kinda shook me out of a trance. Lol. You can see part of why he's a players coach off his personality, especially when he lets you see both the analytic & looseness of it. But, it's all talk without results & what he's shown in yr 1 & now 2 games into yr 2 is that he is 1 hellavu a coach, play designer & play caller. Add in the work ethic, which is what makes the best of the best....the best of the best. Like he said, he just doesn't look the part, but he sure af is nailing what it takes to play the role.

[@goddess22233]

We in Channing land 🐬 literally just said I can't wait to y'all visit the dolphin and y'all interviewing the coach 🫶🏽

[@CameronWilliams-gy8bw]

I think Coach mike D was Stoned for this Interview 😂🤷🏾👆🏾☝️☺️

[@Jen-vc7oq]

It's because he actually thinks before he speaks. It's processing your thoughts before speaking to answer questions that are being asked. Sounds like he's stoned to you, it's just because he is an intelligent person.

[@CameronWilliams-gy8bw]

@@Jen-vc7oq nawl he was just Stoned 😂🤣😂🤣 in make him think 🤔 before he speaks lol

[@Fierceaugleo]

That man has to smoke weed when hes at the house, no telling..

[@keithymg]

So cool as a dolphin fan to have someone other teams want as a coach. I witnessed the heat 4 years of being the most talked about n the center of basketball. 06 came out of no where. 11,12,13,14 was unreal. Daily the heat were talked about on shows. N football it was the Patriots , now chiefs. N i feel fins are about there. N just so fun as a fan

[@skrewsamo3353]

Facts, growing up in Miami, Miami has always been known for the Heat even though the city is a football city. We finally have the spotlight on our NFL team.

[@thegreatone85]

I miss Mickey D in San Fran he def a vibe

[@LKS-M9323]

Mike a Motivational Speaker who loves football at its core. Glad hes the HC of my favorite team.

[@ItsPrimeTime21]

Another amazing interview by the pivot. Chan definitely knows how to break the ice and makes me laugh with his comments.

[@johnnyvansguard869]

I can see why he is such a good HC

[@lukeshevlin9261]

Coach McDaniel is a fascinating guy. Incredible interview

[@AHMAD-2324]

RT Mike McDaniels is something SPECIAL. Miami made a wise chose hiring him.

[@J.K-___-]

Mike is my favorite coach!!

[@jamessimms9407]

Late to the party. These gentlemen are authentic. Let the interviewee talk and speak their mind. All three of these vets think slow and talk smart. A great interview with great men talking ball. Keep grinding men. Your content is great and lets people see inside the mind. Much love fam ❤❤❤

[@drbwhit]

What is the greatest NFL head coach interviews ever. That dude is smart af. Very thoughtful that was awesome

[@9teenhundred85]

As a Patriots lifelong fan born in 85 I got to see the hay day. Mac Jones is not that dude. Sorry not sorry. Mike McDaniel is the man. His story is amazing. My favorite coach because of his honesty and his struggle. As a recovering addict I can relate to his story

[@ryanmaher7630]

You related to Bobby?

[@williamruiz1229]

So glad Mike McD is the dolphins coach!! After the likes of Flores (dictator), Gase (no clue), and Philbin (no personality) it’s refreshing to have a coach with no ego to say he’s not wrong, great personality, and is a great coach with football IQ! Great show guys!!

[@elouis2010]

Great interview. Got to know Mike in a different level. Any man that can put down the booze and get focus take tremendous discipline

[@JoeMcCord-mh2oj]

absolutely true man... and when humans that have great hearts and minds also learn that they can overcome their own demons, you get Mike McDaniel

[@BiltsOne]

The mind of a Mad Genius! Love Coach McDaniel!

[@danhasbrouck319]

What a wonderful man! Great job guys. I'd love to hang out with that guy for a day.

[@jeythecableguy7196]

this dude is amazing, dolphins are my new 2nd fav team i hope this dude wins it all one day

[@gorilajaguar]

Best interview I've seen in the channel so far.

[@alphouncewolfe3786]

Numerous Superbowls in this man's future. Love his philosophy

[@goldenbull43]

What a great listen. Coach McDonald has gained a new fan in me!

[@itsTizzle]

God I love this guy. He's made the list of one of my idols for sure.

[@zspndigitalarchive]

0:52 Ryan laughing makes this funnier

[@d.lewisthetrucker2875]

My favorite episode for sure! Huge fan of Mike!! Damn good set fellas!! Relatable episode in many aspects!

[@dillonrobertson2138]

Humbling to see someone so grateful

[@__anonym0us__]

what a guy. genuine as hell

[@izzyblanco2089]

Wow im a jets fan, mike mcdaniels gained me as a fan and got my respect , stand up dude

[@joelexposito4582]

Freddy was that dude . One of my favorite RBs to watch play as kid. The vision , the quickness, and the acceleration once he saw an opening. Love running counters and stretch plays with him in Madden .

[@joshuapaladini1507]

Love the way Fred Taylor smiles when MM breaks down his running style.

[@mr.wilson3657]

Outstanding man

[@chadbrown4918]

As a yinzer I can say I really like Mike M. I also like how he puts on for the younger coaches. He is that dude. I hope he never changes. Cheers boys

[@wellingtonmejia8798]

I’m a big fan of this guy and I’m from New England Boston to be exact

[@joelcampbell3643]

Mike man I love you, couldn’t ask for a better coach

[@jordanmoultrie9033]

Mike walks like he has theme music playing 😂😂😂

[@stacymoore1496]

Man I love the Pivot. You guys are great

[@mcorrea1273]

Great episode! Nice to know Mike and I became parents for the first time on the same day.

[@createwithin9101]

He was trying to throw you guys the lob to talk about him being black when he mentioned not having a dad in two separate occasions. That info was just released a few days ago. Great interview though, just shocked you didn't get him to elaborate on his upbringing. It's an interesting story, he overcame alot.

[@user-er4hj9dx1h]

One of my favorite interviews to date

[@user-sy6pc3su7s]

HUGE McDaniel fan, great one again crew!

[@tannerlock2]

This one is so encouraging!! Anything is possible!

[@theeory1]

Bro that mindset and interview 😮 must watch 🙌🏾 and theres very few settings like the Pivot that gets people to open up like that!!! Phenomenal’

[@bobbyhill3rd242]

The Pivot continues to get Better and Better every week I love it for really no CAP straight facts.

[@raydiantproductions]

The opening sets the tone for this interview really well. Never change Channing!!!

[@LKS-M9323]

😅😅😅😅😂😂😂😂

[@djohnson3583]

Great episode. I’m not even a parent but him talking about becoming a father was really something special

[@GReid-ol5gk]

He's a good coach

[@ericmandell7895]

great interview! awesome perspective!!🤙🏽🇬🇺🇲🇵

[@tryjames1ify]

Great Show. I always wanted to see how this guy is and I enjoyed it and Good Luck in your season Dolphins

[@cherriejordan3731]

Channing you nailed this interview 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈🎯!!!

[@eddielee3928]

Missing you in SF McD! All the best to you, the fam, an the fins.