Dolphins Forge New Culture Amidst Early Season Challenges
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins are working to reshape their team culture following a tumultuous previous season, marked by disappointing performance and internal conflicts. A recent incident during a joint practice with the Chicago Bears saw linebacker Jordyn Brooks confront fellow linebacker Tyrel Dodson over a perceived lack of aggression during drills. This confrontation, which required separation, has been interpreted by team insiders as a positive sign of accountability and a shift towards a more competitive atmosphere.
In the immediate aftermath, both Brooks and Dodson openly apologized to their teammates and head coach Mike McDaniel, framing the altercation as a typical disagreement among motivated players. “Honestly in Chicago, with [Brooks and Dodson] — it was players holding players accountable,” linebacker Bradley Chubb stated to ESPN. “It was probably the biggest turning point for our defense this offseason because we saw two alphas going at it and pushing each other to be better.”
The Dolphins have been under pressure to enhance their internal culture, particularly after a disappointing 2024 season that ended without a playoff appearance. According to current and former players, coaches, and team officials, significant changes have been implemented. The franchise has emphasized accountability, parting ways with players deemed unfit for the team’s goals, including the notable trade of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey during the offseason.
To foster this change, the Dolphins instituted rigorous offseason training that included three-a-day workouts, voluntary sprints, and early team meetings focused on relationship building among players and coaches. The leadership team, comprising McDaniel, general manager Chris Grier, and team captains, has stressed the need for mutual respect and accountability.
As the 2025 season progresses, the Dolphins face mounting pressure after starting with back-to-back losses against the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. The team’s defensive performance has come under scrutiny, with opponents scoring on 13 of their first 15 drives. In their opener, the Dolphins’ offense managed just 211 yards, marking the lowest output under McDaniel when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is at the helm.
Despite the challenges, both players and coaches remain optimistic about the new culture. Grier acknowledged the need for actions to back up claims of improvement, stating, “We can say all the stuff has changed… but until we win games and do it on the field, it doesn’t matter.”
The Dolphins are at a critical juncture as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on September 21, 2025. A victory could reinvigorate the team’s aspirations for a successful season, while another loss may intensify scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
In the aftermath of the 2024 season, McDaniel challenged his players during their final team meeting. He emphasized the importance of player-driven accountability and indicated that those unwilling to embrace the new culture would be traded or released. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler echoed this sentiment, stating that players must hold themselves to a higher standard.
Issues such as tardiness had plagued the team, with McDaniel noting that fining players did not yield the desired results. One current player suggested that some captains had taken advantage of their roles, leading to a lack of respect for the coaching staff. However, McDaniel’s approach has evolved, with a focus on direct communication and accountability.
Throughout the offseason, Dolphins players have committed to a rigorous training regimen, often pushing each other to exceed expectations. “It’s something we as the players decided,” said tackle Austin Jackson regarding self-imposed discipline for pre-snap penalties. “Things that are in our controllables… if you make the mistake in practice, we’re going to self-correct.”
While McDaniel’s leadership style has been characterized as laid back, he maintains high expectations for player performance. After the Week 1 loss to the Colts, he was vocal about the need for improvement, specifically calling out players for their mistakes. This approach aims to foster accountability and encourage players to take ownership of their performance on the field.
Despite external pressures, including a recent aerial display urging the team to fire both McDaniel and Grier, the franchise remains committed to its current leadership. Team owner Stephen Ross has expressed confidence in both McDaniel and Grier, emphasizing the importance of stability while recognizing the need for improvement.
As the Dolphins seek to solidify their identity, McDaniel believes that the team’s response to adversity will ultimately define its success. “I feel like we have a unified locker room and a unified team,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of maintaining focus in challenging times.
The Dolphins’ efforts to create a new culture are ongoing, and while early season struggles threaten to undermine these initiatives, the commitment to change remains strong as they prepare for key matchups in the coming weeks.
