McDaniel-Grier 2023 Season Wrap-Up Takeaways

Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel discussed various issues related to the team

It was locker cleanout day for the Miami Dolphins on Monday, and that included the traditional media session with the general manager and head coach.

So here were the highlights among the comments by GM Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel:

-- First question deals whether it's a priority to keep both Christian Wilkins and Connor Williams, and Grier says it's always a priority to keep good players. Grier adds he had a good conversation with Wilkins on Monday and happy for him that he bet on himself and had a big season.

-- With Williams, as with Wilkins, the Dolphins will keep in touch with him.

-- Asked about whether the rebuilding project undertaken in 2019 has been a success, Grier says the team is building something good, but he'll leave the assessment to reporters.

-- Regarding a Tua long-term extension, Grier says they've had good conversations and the goal is to "have him long term playing at a high level." Grier adds they'll keep all the talks internal.

-- Grier repeats the goal is to keep as many players as possible.

-- Asked whether the season was a success, Grier says he doesn't want to use injuries as an excuse before listing the injury issues on the offensive line and among pass rushers.

-- Grier says he feels very good about the strength and conditioning staff, suggesting the agents tell him it's one of the best groups in the NFL. "Those guys do a fantastic job of getting our guys prepared."

-- The first question directed at McDaniel deals with the play-calling and whether he would ever consider delegating those duties to his offensive coordinator. McDaniel says there will be a period of evaluation to assess how it went, adding "nothing is off the table ever."

-- With regards to the coaching staff, McDaniel says he'll meet with his assistants now that he's done with player exit interviews. Never answers the question of whether Vic Fangio will be back in 2024.

-- In terms of the discrepancy between how the Dolphins fared against inferior opponents (10-1) and playoff teams (1-5), McDaniel doesn't directly answer the question but says they "feel good about our process."

-- As far as why the Dolphins threw downfield so few times at Kansas City, McDaniel said that had to do with what the Chiefs were doing defensively. Said there were plans in the game plan to throw downfield, but the game circumstances prevented some of those.

-- Asked about the Dolphins now having the longest playoff win drought win, Grier says he's happy for Dan Campbell in Detroit and adds, "We're just going to keep grinding and chopping wood."

-- As far as whether big changes are needed or it's a matter of just minor tweaking, Grier says it's still too early after the season ended to say and that self-evaluation needs to take place.

-- With Robert Hunt, Grier repeats, "He's earned the right to be a free agent."

-- Xavien Howard's contract makes it a distinct possibility that he could become a cap casualty and Grier says he loves him as a person and a player, but no decision there yet.

-- Grier is given a shot at the question about the disparity in performance against good and bad teams, and he says it was a combination of reasons. Adds that some of those games came down to the wire.

-- Asked what he wants to see from Tua in the offseason, McDaniel says it's about continued growth and adds that "all we've seen is him improving." Mentions finding new ways to add to his game.

-- The Dolphins are scheduled to have a first-round pick in 2024 for the first time in three years, but Grier jokes he's "not promising anything" as far as actually make the pick. Wouldn't close the door on possibly moving the pick in a trade.

Dolphins Now Have NFL's Longest Playoff Win Drought