Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is holding off on making a coaching change, for now, but two critical factors could shake up the status quo.

Before Miami's disappointing 31-21 loss to the Bills, which left them with a winless 0-3 record, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Prime Video that dwindling fan attendance or players showing a lack of support for McDaniel might push Ross to reconsider. "He wants this to work. He believes in McDaniel and has shown that through financial investments, including a two-year contract extension worth about $19 million. He's been patient and nothing seems imminent regarding a firing," Rapoport said.

However, he added, "If fans stop filling the stands or if players indicate McDaniel has lost the locker room, that could change fast."

The Dolphins showed some improvement during their game against the Bills, remaining competitive until the fourth quarter when a pivotal roughing-the-kicker penalty shifted momentum. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed 22 of 34 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns, while the offense went 10-for-15 on third downs—a promising performance amid a bleak overall record.

Despite this flashes of potential, the Dolphins still find themselves winless after a humiliating opening game against the Colts, where they lost 33-8, followed by a last-minute defeat to the Patriots in Week 2.

McDaniel, who currently holds a 28-26 regular-season record and has faced challenges against stronger teams, is feeling the heat from frustrated fans. Last week, messages demanding his firing even flew overhead in an airplane banner during the game at Hard Rock Stadium.

In response to the mounting pressure, McDaniel remarked, "I was focused on coaching and didn’t pay much attention to what the fans were doing. They want the team to win, and so do I." With the Dolphins set to host the Jets next Monday, the uncertainty around McDaniel's future hangs in the balance while the team looks to turn its season around.