The 2024 NFL playoffs may be on the horizon but, after a whirlwind 48 hours of coaching news, the upcoming game wasn’t the only thing Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel wanted to discuss on Thursday.
McDaniel, like many around the sports world, spent the last two days processing the stunning news of Pete Carroll’s ouster as the Seattle Seahawks coach and Nick Saban’s retirement on Wednesday, and Bill Belichick moving on from the New England Patriots Thursday morning.
After taking time to reflect on the bombshell announcements, McDaniel didn’t hold back when asked for his thoughts on the legendary trio during his media session, as he delivered a rather introspective take on the news.
“It’s just kind of a reminder to me that, you know, I’m just going to be candid, Father Time’s a d---,” McDaniel told reporters. “Really not a nice guy, but it’s real and I think it reminds you that everything is finite. … [Belichick’s] been at the chair for 24 years in one organization, and it wasn’t because of entertaining press conferences, it was because [of] his due diligence at what his job was.
“I have a lot of regard and, as you can tell, I’m kind of mourning the loss of those three, for sure.”
Always known for a memorable soundbite, McDaniel’s NSFW quote may not be for everyone, but, given Belichick, Saban and Carroll’s collective impact, it’s hard not to see the merit in the quirky coach’s view on the seismic departures.
Judging by answer, it’s clear McDaniel highly respects all three, and could even draw added motivation as he looks to secure his first playoff win with the Dolphins against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday.
