Overview
- Head coach Jeff Hafley said on Monday that Miami will not bench Malik Willis right now and that the bye week will be used to evaluate players, coaches and health.
- Willis has struggled through five starts with 849 passing yards, two touchdown passes, four interceptions, a 56.2% completion rate and repeated fumbles that have drawn public criticism.
- Miami’s offense did show signs of life on the ground with Willis rushing for a single-game QB record of 74 yards versus Cincinnati, but his passing and ball-security issues were decisive in the 31-24 loss.
- Backup Kyle McCord is on the roster but has not taken a regular-season snap, and Willis’s multi-year deal with large guaranteed money increases the cost and complexity of making an immediate change.
- The decision preserves the team’s short-term plan while raising stakes for the bye evaluation because continued losses could push Miami to consider roster, coaching or 2027 draft moves at quarterback.