It’s possible Tyreek Hill has worn out his welcome in South Beach.
After three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the 30-year-old is on the trading block after quitting on his squad in Week 18. But former Dolphins linebacker Rob Ninkovich thinks head coach Mike McDaniel is part of the problem.
In an interview with Betway, Ninkovich — who is best remembered for his eight years with the New England Patriots — said that Hill would be better off playing for a coach who keeps a tighter leash on his players.
“I think Tyreek Hill .. might be a guy that needs a head coach like [Patriots head coach] Mike Vrabel,” Ninkovich said. “Somebody that’s going to stay on top of him, that’s going to say, ‘I don’t care what you’ve done in the past, you’re going to go out and perform, and you’re going to be on time, and we’re not going to coddle you.’
“I think down in Miami, maybe there was some of that coddling where he wasn’t on time. I think if you’re going to trade for Tyreek Hill, you have to make sure you have a coach that can stay on top of him and make sure that he’s doing all the right things.”
After an 8-9 finish to the 2024 season, McDaniel told reporters that discipline was an issue for the Dolphins and fining players “didn’t move the needle.” While he didn’t name names, tardiness to team meetings was reportedly a prevailing issue.
Ninkovich, 40, spent two seasons with the Dolphins early in his career before eventually blossoming under the strict leadership of the Patriots’ Bill Belichick.
