MIAMI, Fla. – Michael McDaniel '05, who earned four letters as a member of the Yale University football team, was named the 14^th head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
 
McDaniel, a wide receiver who came to New Haven from Aurora, Colo., before rising through the ranks of the National Football League (NFL), is the third Yale graduate to become an NFL head coach. He was the offensive coordinator for a 2021 San Francisco 49ers' team that made it to the 2022 NFC Championship Game.

"I am incredibly proud of Mike and excited for him, his family and the entire Miami Dolphins community. He has been at the forefront of offensive innovation in the NFL and has produced at the highest level," said Tony Reno, Joel E. Smilow Class of 1954 Head Coach of Football. "He will bring a relentless work ethic and professionalism to Miami. The entire Yale Football Family is very proud."  
   
The former Smoky Hill High School standout joined the Denver Broncos as an intern after graduating from Yale. McDaniel, who connected with the Shanahan Family (coaches Mike and Kyle) since his first year in the pros, was an assistant in Houston, Cleveland and Atlanta before joining the 49ers in 2017 as run game coordinator. He moved up to offensive coordinator in 2021.
 
The first Eli to become an NFL head coach was Charlie Ewart '38 with the 1949 New York Bulldogs. He was followed by Dick Jauron '73, an All-American and Ivy League MVP running back who was later an NFL All-Pro kick returner and defensive back. Jauron served as head coach of the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions.