In Mike McDaniel's first year as head coach, Jaylen Waddle and the Miami Dolphins made the playoffs. As Waddle prepares for year two under McDaniel, the wide receiver is expecting to hit even greater heights with the Dolphins.

Last season, Waddle admits that he and the rest of the team were trying to get used to McDaniel's system. Now, the team has gained a better understanding of what McDaniel is looking for. Personally, Waddle is using that extra information from McDaniel to help the Dolphins go even further in year two, via team reporter Carter Owen.

“I feel like just knowledge,” Waddle said of his biggest growth from last year. “Another year under my belt. I get to see how the league works even more. I think preparation, seeing defenses and knowing what a defense is going to do, how they plan on playing us and adjusting the game.”

Article Continues Below
More Miami Dolphins News
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel with QB Tua Tagovailoa and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Miami Dolphins.
1 Miami Dolphins rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampBen Strauss ·
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill goes off on Bills, Bills Mafia in NSFW rantJaren Kawada ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) runs the ball after a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during second half at Hard Rock Stadium.
Steelers’ perfect trade proposal for Dolphins Pro BowlerJaren Kawada ·
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
NFL rumors: Steelers, Dolphins have discussed trade involving Pro Bowl tight endJaren Kawada ·
Tyreek Hill, Noah Lyles, Mike McDaniel
Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel responds to Tyreek Hill, Noah Lyles pending raceBurtland Dixon ·
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
Dolphins star Tyreek Hill’s ‘above and beyond’ OTA work shows buy-inJaren Kawada ·

“I feel like it's a lot I can grow from in the first two seasons,” Waddle continued. “Still growing, just trying to stack days together.”

Before being hired as head coach, Mike McDaniel spent one season as the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator. It takes time for a first-time head coach to make the transition. In turn, any team bringing in a new head coach will have to adapt to their coaching style.

Miami did a pretty good job adapting, as their 9-8 record earned them a playoff berth. But with all parties now having a better understanding of one another, Jaylen Waddle is looking for even more from the Dolphins this upcoming season.