Dolphins tight end Darren Waller was in a meeting about his future when coach Mike McDaniel was unexpectedly fired, shocking the team.

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller said he was in an exit meeting with head coach Mike McDaniel on January 16, 2026, when owner Stephen Ross abruptly entered the room, disrupting the conversation. Waller, discussing his potential return for the 2026 season, recalled Ross expressing support for McDaniel, but the atmosphere turned tense. After leaving for a massage, Waller learned McDaniel had been fired, a surprise move that followed several other team coaching changes. Waller described the moment as awkward and jarring, highlighting the unpredictable nature of NFL front-office decisions.