The relationship between Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill took another strange turn on Sunday (August 3).
Hill had publicly questioned McDaniel's decision to use De'Von Achane as a short-yardage back on third down, which led to reporters asking the coach about his reaction. McDaniel, seemingly annoyed and sarcastic, claimed that the change had already been made that same day.
“I thought it was genius reporting by Tyreek, seeing how we had a short-yardage period that very day that you guys were in attendance for, and his suggestion was I guess congruent with [running backs coach Eric] Studesville — that’s exactly how we repped the backs in that short-yardage period that very day,” McDaniel said. “But we thought it was funny that he reported the news that wasn’t news on that practice day in that short-yardage period that you guys were all there, too, for.”
Hill previously stated his intention to depart from the franchise while speaking to reporters after the Dolphins' season-ending loss to the New York Jets and the team's 8-9 finish to the 2024 NFL regular season.
“I’m opening the door. I’m out bro. It was great playing here, but at the end of the day I got to do what’s best for my career. I’m too much of a competitor to be just out there," Hill said via the Miami Herald's Omar Kelly.
McDaniel downplayed Hill's comments during his own postgame press conference.
“I’m not going to be too much weight on second hand postgame disappointment statements. We will see how next couple days progress in convos with him and I," Hill said via NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.
McDaniel also addressed Hill's absence during the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss.
“I was informed he was unavailable right before a drive. I was not informed that it was a new injury. Focus was on players on the field," Hill said via Wolfe.
In December, Hill wrote, "It’s time for me to go coach," on his X account without additional context, which led to trade speculation and then posted, "I might get my first grey hair this year."
Hill finished the 2024 season with 79 receptions for 939 yards and six touchdowns. The eight-time Pro Bowler was acquired by the Dolphins in a sign-and-trade deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.