Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel comfortable being himself in a role where many are expected to act the same
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — During his first media session in Germany, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel introduced his trademark humor to a large room of about 100 international media members. “I know what you guys are thinking,” the 5-foot-9 coach started. “I’m bigger in person. You’re right.” The next time he spoke to reporters, two days later, he displayed the German he had learned over his first few days in the foreign country: “Guten tag,” he said as he approached the podium, which translates in English to “Good day.” Whether it’s his jokes in the press conference setting, humorously racing a cameraman following him ahead of halftime on national television or just dressing in his own unique style at practices and games, McDaniel is not afraid to be himself while in a position as an NFL head coach where many feel they need to act a certain way that fits in.
“I just think it’s important to be yourself,” McDaniel said Tuesday, as his team enters its bye week 6-3 following Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs overseas, “and for me, I think that comes from preparation, and really what I see my obligation to be towards the team. I think for me, as long as I cut no corners on the front end of things, I can really stay true to what this game is about.” McDaniel is comfortable in his own skin because he shares a common notion with many of the players that he coaches: That what they’re working together on is of the utmost importance because of what it took for everyone to reach the NFL.
“You work your whole life to be in the situations that you’re in, whether it’s a player or a coach or all of those things, and there is a balance to it,” he continued. “I think people respond best to authenticity, to know that nothing that you say or do is fabricated. So I just try to stay true to my personality and I feel like that’s owed to people. You have to give yourself, if you’re in a leadership role where you’re serving other people, you have to give people yourself and so I just try to pride myself on that and hold nothing back because I feel like that’s what people deserve.”
