Mike McDaniel, a 'football savant,' used Allen Iverson for inspiration

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel, a 'football savant,' used Allen Iverson for offensive inspiration

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/23/22

The impressive production of the Dolphins' passing offense through two games has shone a spotlight on Miami head coach Mike McDaniel and his unorthodox coaching methods.

Former NFL receiver Andrew Hawkins, whom McDaniel coached during the 2014 season in Cleveland, recalled on "The Rich Eisen Show" that McDaniel would turn to none other than basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson for inspiration.

Hawkins said McDaniel used Iverson's crossover move as a tool Browns receivers could use on the field.

.@Hawk knew #FinsUp head coach Mike McDaniel was an offensive genius way back in 2014 when he was his WR coach in Cleveland — this story is awesome:#NFL pic.twitter.com/JnhZYhmqJW
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) September 21, 2022

Hawkins' take on McDaniel is a fascinating glimpse inside the mind of the man helping usher in a new era of Dolphins football.

"He is the kind of person who should probably be a scientist, but he just loves the game of football," said Hawkins of McDaniel, whom he called a "football savant."

Last season, the Dolphins ranked 17th in passing yards with an average of 214.8 yards per game. Through two games this season, the Dolphins are first in passing yards with an average of 351.5 yards per game.

It's early, but the Dolphins appear to have found their...ahem..."Answer."

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