Mike McDaniel (Getty Images)
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel wasn't very well known by fans when Miami hired him away from the 49ers in 2022, but that's not at all true anymore. McDaniel has become one of the NFL's most eccentric head coaches, lighting up the internet with soundbite after soundbite. He's brutally honest, even about himself, and isn't afraid to make some comments that most other coaches would rather keep to themselves.
More importantly, though, McDaniel is winning games. After guiding Miami to the playoffs in his first season on the job, McDaniel has the Dolphins tied for the best record in the NFL through six weeks at 5-1. The franchise's first AFC East title since 2008 is squarely on the table.
MORE: Ranking Mike McDaniel's funniest moments
Here's what you need to know about McDaniel's family, as well as his Colorado roots.
Mike McDaniel's Wife
McDaniel has been married to Katie Hemstalk since 2014. The pair met in 2009, and their wedding took place near Washington, D.C., at the end of McDaniel's three-year tenure with the then-Redskins.
McDaniel once told reporters, "I’d have no chance without my wife," crediting Hemstalk for helping him overcome alcohol addiction earlier in his coaching career. Hemstalk has worked as a cosmetologist and esthetician.
McDaniel's openness and honesty aren't limited to one-liners about football. He frequently mentions his wife and family during press conferences and became emotional last year when describing why he's thankful for his family.
"I’d have no chance without my wife," said McDaniel. "She has been instrumental in my journey, helping me overcome my challenges with alcohol addiction."
WATCH: Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel got emotional when asked by @WingfieldNFL what he’s thankful for. Started in-depth about his relationship with his wife & 2-year-old daughter, continued with this being the most fulfilling offseason & half-season of NFL career & Dolphins fans among others. [Video Link]
Mike McDaniel's Children
McDaniel and Hemstalk have one daughter, Alya June. In a recent feature by NFL Films, McDaniel opened up about what fatherhood means to him.
“I think ironically they’re similar in that it’s a servitude role. Being a dad is very much like being a head coach in that you’re constantly concerned about the well-being of other people," he said. "To not exist for yourself is a beautiful thing."
WATCH: "To not exist for yourself is a beautiful thing." Heartwarming segment from #Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel on the similarities between being a father and a head coach 🫡 [Video Link]
"What's funny about being a father of a two-and-a-half-year-old is that every day is daughter day," McDaniel told NFL Films.
WATCH: Mike McDaniel offered his daughter Alya to come up with him on the podium, but she declined. [Video Link]
Mike McDaniel's Parents
McDaniel was born to Donna and Mike Sr. in 1983. Unfortunately, his father died in 1987 when McDaniel was just four years old.
Donna worked hard to support McDaniel as a single mother. NBC Sports explains that this led McDaniel to have plenty of time to himself each summer, which resulted in frequent visits to Broncos training camp—a decision that would set his career in motion.
Through a twist of fate, Donna later married Broncos video assistant Gary McCune, which eventually helped McDaniel find work with the organization. Donna remains an active part of McDaniel's life and has been pictured at Dolphins games during her son's two years as head coach.
Where is Mike McDaniel From?
McDaniel grew up in Greeley, Colorado, and was a Broncos fan. His proximity to the site of the Broncos' annual training camp practices deepened his passion for football and later led him to begin working for the franchise as an intern.
Gary Kubiak took McDaniel with him to Houston in 2006, allowing McDaniel to become an offensive assistant with the Texans and truly jumpstart his coaching career. McDaniel hasn't worked in Denver since 2005, but he has crossed paths with the Broncos since being hired in Miami. McDaniel's Dolphins scored 70 points against Denver earlier this season, becoming the first team in 57 years to score 70 points or more in a game.
Author: Dan Treacy Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News.
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