Steelers Now
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel put quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on notice after Monday night’s lackluster 27-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“The quarterback play last night was not good enough. So for me, everything is on the table,” McDaniel said when asked by reporters if he’s considering making a quarterback change.
Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passing for 253 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. His final stat line doesn’t paint the whole picture, however. Through the first three quarters, he completed 6 of 10 passes for 65 yards with an interception. He also took two bad sacks on third down.
“I think the biggest thing is that my job … is to do the best thing for the football team,” McDaniel said. “A lot of times, that’s doing the hard thing, but regardless, it’s always with that same best interest in mind, which is what gives us the best chance to win the game whoever the next opponent is.”
It sure sounds like Mike McDaniel really is seriously considering benching Tua Tagovailoa. Says a decision tomorrow.
“The quarterback play last night was not good enough.” pic.twitter.com/WjpKKzy9e4
— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 16, 2025
Former Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians thinks Tagovailoa’s time in Miami could be up. He’s under contract through the 2028 season, though. Tagovailoa’s due $54 million guaranteed in 2026.
“I don’t see anybody picking up any of that money. The guy hasn’t gotten any better in my opinion in the last three years, I think he’s gotten worse,” Arians said on The Pat McAfee Show.
If Tagovailoa gets benched, Zach Wilson or seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers will take over as Miami’s signal caller.
🎥 Bruce Arians on Tua Tagovailoa's contract: "I don't see anybody picking up any of that money. The guy hasn't gotten any better in my opinion in the last three years, I think he's gotten worse." (@PatMcAfeeShow) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/6imjBfQg9e
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 16, 2025
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Dolphins Considering Benching Tua Tagovailoa After Embarrassing Performance vs. Steelers
