Dolphins ‘in touch’ on John Harbaugh despite having Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel may not be safe just yet.

The Dolphins have been “in touch” regarding fired ex-Ravens coach John Harbaugh, despite having McDaniel under contract, according to NFL insider Josina Anderson.

Anderson previously reported that Miami ownership — Stephen Ross guides the franchise — has expressed an “affinity” for the Super Bowl-winning coach.

The Dolphins’ interest follows an ESPN report that seven teams had already reached out to Harbaugh on Tuesday in the wake of his dismissal from Baltimore after 18 seasons.

There are six teams with openings, excluding Baltimore, in the Giants, Raiders, Titans, Cardinals, Falcons and Browns.

That math means that one team with a coach currently installed could be pondering a change for Harbaugh, and the Dolphins fit the bill.

The Miami Herald countered Anderson’s report, saying the Dolphins “have not reached out to, or engaged with John Harbaugh in any way.”

There had been varying reports about McDaniel’s status with the Dolphins throughout the year, with a weekend report even stating the winds had swayed on whether he would return.

Miami did not fire McDaniel on Black Monday earlier this week, but by no means is that a sign that McDaniel will be roaming its sideline in 2026.

“My understanding is that I’m the coach of the Miami Dolphins until told otherwise,” McDaniel said Monday.

The franchise is seemingly staring down a complete reset, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wideout Tyreek Hill having possibly played their last game for the franchise.

They could attempt to move on from McDaniel and bring in Harbaugh to usher in a new era.

Ross has some intriguing history in this type of situation when it comes to the Harbaugh family.

The owner met with Harbaugh’s younger brother, Jim Harbaugh, when he left Stanford to join the NFL coaching ranks, despite having Tony Sparano as his coach at the time.

Ross gave Sparano an extension and apologized, while Jim signed with the 49ers.

Sparano then lasted 13 games that season before being fired.

“I shouldn’t have been talking to coaches until I decided that I should make a change,” Ross said 15 years ago, as documented by Pro Football Talk.

The Dolphins could be looking at a similar situation where a Harbaugh is available while employing a coach on the hot seat.

While Miami has its draw due to its location and appeal to free agents, the Dolphins’ uncertainty at quarterback and overall roster issues detract from its attractiveness.