McDaniel opens up about Fangio, Wilkins
INDIANAPOLIS — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel indicated Terron Armstead has not finalized a decision on whether he’ll retire or play in 2024.
“I have let time allow for what is an important decision for him,” McDaniel said at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday. “Let time from the season evolve so that he can give us a window into what he’s thinking. But I haven’t (spoken with him).
“You know, I think it’s important, there’s a roller coaster of emotions when you’re talking about potentially leaving a game that you’re elite at and the pros and cons of that. He’s been an unbelievable leader and he’s really battled through a ton of different things for us. And, you know, right now he’s determining something that him and his body are the only people that know. And we are very open for that.”
Armstead, 32, has started 23 of 34 possible regular-season games over the past two seasons.
That’s 68% of games.
When he plays, he’s been excellent. But he’s been hurt a lot.
Terron Armstead has not revealed retirement decision to Mike McDaniel
If Armstead were to retire, it would leave a gaping hole at left tackle and Miami would need to alter its free agency and/or draft approach.
“We also have to allow for that time and assess all options so that, you know, the Miami Dolphins have plans regardless of any sort of scenario, which is what we get paid to do,” McDaniel said. “There’s not anybody that’s earned more liberty to take his time to figure out what’s the next step in his life and if it’s with his team or not, so we’re allowing that with Terron and excited to hear some conclusions he has drawn in the near future.”
Why did Dolphins, Vic Fangio divorce?
Meanwhile, McDaniel was discussing the defensive side of the ball on Wednesday.
Why in the world did defensive coordinator Vic Fangio move on after one season?
“I’d be lying if I said I was expecting that during the season at all,” McDaniel said. “And I think, you know, Vic would feel similarly. What happened is basically, you know, I think it’s important when the season ends for you to remove emotion and evaluate and have very, very good conversations with all people that you’re depending on. You know, with Vic and I, we had extensive conversations that was very healthy.
“And ultimately, when push came to shove, you know, it seemed like we both had the opportunity and it would be best for both parties involved to literally mutually part. So it wasn’t anticipated. It was something that, you know, I think was a factor of great communication between him and I, where, you know, we feel like we’re all best served if we go a different direction, which is something that we had mutual belief, and excited for both parties moving forward.”
Fangio left for the Eagles and Miami hired Anthony Weaver from Baltimore.
Christian Wilkins: Will the Dolphins tag or sign?
One of Miami’s best defensive players, Christian Wilkins, is a pending free agent.
Does McDaniel think Wilkins will be with the Dolphins in 2024?
“Yeah, I hope so,” McDaniel said. “Don’t you? We’ll see. I’m excited to see, excited for Christian’s opportunity that he’s earned. But yeah, we love good players and we’d love to have him back.”
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe.