Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is no stranger to viral moments, but this time, fans are talking for a very different reason. A clip circulating on X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral, showing McDaniel stumbling through an interview, repeatedly stuttering and filling pauses with a string of “um” and “uh” moments that left viewers puzzled. In the video, McDaniel says, “He was really frustrated at the uh, um, uh, you know, just like uh, his his, uh, as as I was, and, um we talked about, uh, the challenge ahead to get ready for, uh, um, the Chargers.” The odd delivery immediately set social media ablaze, and the reactions were brutal.
One user posted the clip with the caption, “Bro… what is wrong with him,” while others accused the coach of being under the influence. “He high as hell,” one person wrote, while another added, “Vaping 100% THC is not good for you.” However, there’s no confirmation or evidence that McDaniel was under the influence of anything during the interview, and many fans were quick to defend him, saying the moment was likely just a case of nerves or verbal fatigue from a long day of press obligations. Still, the video continues to rack up views, with fans split between genuine concern and playful mockery.
Mike McDaniel’s Past Struggles and Path to Sobriety
The speculation struck a deeper chord for longtime NFL fans familiar with McDaniel’s personal journey. The Dolphins coach has openly discussed his own battles with substance abuse and his road to sobriety, a topic he’s addressed candidly since joining Miami. McDaniel has often credited NFL tight end Darren Waller as a source of inspiration in staying committed to recovery. Waller, too, has been public about his past issues with alcohol and drugs, saying his road to sobriety made him a stronger person and a better player.
During a past interview about Waller’s signing, McDaniel spoke from the heart. “I had a lot of positive thoughts,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier to have a guy that just walks in the door as a daily inspiration, because a lot of people have problems. He’s shared problems we’re not talking about in a press conference. A lot of people hide from things. He doesn’t.”
