Mike McDaniel, head coach of the Miami Dolphins, always knew that his wife Katie was the one for him. Although they usually keep their relationship private, their love story gained attention in November 2023 when broadcaster Al Michaels shared on air how they first met.
While covering the Dolphins' NFL game against the New York Jets, Michaels mentioned that he had requested a story from Mike about his experience as the running backs coach for the Sacramento Mountain Lions in the United Football League. Following the Mountain Lions' decisive victory in Nebraska, they went to a nightclub to celebrate.
During the NFL broadcast on Amazon Prime, Michaels recalled a situation where he had to intervene with one of the running backs he coaches. He gave an ultimatum to the player who was dancing with a girl, stating that he would not be playing with the team next year if he continued. The athlete complied to save his job, only for Mike to then step in and start dancing with Katie himself.
Mike and Katie were married four years later. Keep scrolling for their complete relationship timeline:
October 2010
When Michaels met Katie at a nightclub, he instantly fell for her, despite another team member showing interest as well.
Courtesy of Kristy Hemstalk/Facebook
June 2014
They wed four years later in South Oroville, California.
"We are grateful to our family and friends who were able to join us in celebrating Katie and Michael’s special day," wrote Kristy Hemstalk, Katie's mom, on Facebook. "It was truly an unforgettable wedding weekend."
Following that, Mike took on the role of wide receivers coach for the Cleveland Browns, transitioning from his previous position with the Washington Commanders. In 2017, he made the move to the San Francisco 49ers.
2020
Amid Mike’s role as the running game coordinator for the 49ers, Katie found out she was pregnant with their first baby. Daughter Alya June was born in 2020.
February 2022
Mike was announced as the head coach for the Dolphins and Katie and Alya stepped out at his debut press conference.
“You’re a miracle and I can’t wait to see what you grow into,” Mike gushed of his daughter.
Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins wears custom painted shoes prior to an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on November 13, 2022. Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
November 2022
Mike shared with Sports Illustrated a glimpse into his home life prior to his first bye week with the Dolphins.
"I lead by example. I plan to demonstrate to these guys how to take full advantage of rest, and when I'm not sleeping, I'll be fully engaged in being a father and husband," he joked. "I'll have some tasks to take care of around the house, because I definitely don't want to be in trouble. Towards the end of the week, I might try to avoid some of those tasks, knowing that there won't be consequences as I'll be back at work. But until then, I'll be completely focused on home."
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Earlier that month, Mike showcased personalized sneakers at a Dolphins game, featuring a painted portrait of himself and his daughter on the side.
Megan Briggs/Getty Images
January 2023
Katie and Alya watched the Dolphins’ home game against the Jets from the sidelines. A 3-year-old Alya adorably sported a denim jacket with her dad’s last name on the back.