Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel praised Bill Belichick, joked about ‘mourning’ his departure from the Patriots
"I think I was in high school the last time he wasn't a coach in the AFC East."
Mike McDaniel on Bill Belichick: Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is known for his dry sense of humor and informal sarcasm during press conferences. On top of that, the 41-year-old is also consistent about one particular topic: His admiration for Bill Belichick.
McDaniel, who is seen as one of the most creative offensive minds in the NFL, has discussed his respect for Belichick before, calling him “one of the founding fathers of this generation of football” in a 2023 press conference.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL’s Annual League Meeting on Monday evening, McDaniel was asked what it will be like to coach in an AFC East that doesn’t include Belichick for the first time in a quarter century.
“It’s bizarre for me,” McDaniel admitted. “I think I was in high school the last time he wasn’t a coach in the AFC East.”
(Belichick began coaching the Patriots in 2000 when McDaniel was 17).
“From a competitive standpoint, you want to go against the best. I have no doubt that the New England Patriots are retooling in their own fashion to be their best selves,” McDaniel continued. “But in terms of an individual to go against, there’s not anybody more difficult from a defensive standpoint to try to forecast what they’re going to do in that next game and there’s not anybody better at facilitating technique and fundamentals across the board.”
It’s high praise, though McDaniel was able to get the better of the now-former Patriots coach, notching a 3-1 record against Belichick over the last two seasons.
Having complimented Belichick, McDaniel closed his response with some humor in reference to the longtime coach’s departure.
“To say that I’m somber and have been mourning the loss of Bill Belichick as a head coach in the AFC East would be a flat-out lie,” he joked, “and I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Trivia: Bill Belichick was 39 when he first became an NFL head coach in 1991. Who are the other four head coaches currently ranked in the top-10 of the all-time regular season wins list who were coaching that season as well.
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: The teams they coached in 1991 were the Broncos, Chiefs, Dolphins, and Steelers.
Scores and schedules:
On Monday, the Celtics collapsed after amassing a 30-point lead, losing to the Hawks 120-118.
PWHL Boston also lost on the Monday, falling 3-2 in New York.
Tonight, the Bruins will be in Florida to play the Panthers at 7 p.m.
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Chris Hogan weighs in: The former Patriots wide receiver discussed what he thinks fans can expect from Jerod Mayo.
Updates from the NFL: Here’s a rundown of the news from the Annual League Meeting.
On this day: In 1979, Larry Bird’s Indiana State and Magic Johnson’s Michigan State met in the NCAA championship game. It was the culmination of the ’79 season—Michigan State won 75-64—but in many ways it was just the beginning of the modern era.
The NCAA tournament vaulted into increased relevance nationally, and the rivalry between the two superstars would reshape the NBA landscape over the ensuing decade.
Daily highlight: The result of the game was a disaster for the Celtics on Monday, but this Jayson Tatum dunk was special.
Trivia answer: Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, Don Shula, and Chuck Noll
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