Under the leadership of Mike McDaniel, the Miami Dolphins have been winning not just on the field but on the fashion front too. As the head coach since 2022, McDaniel has quickly become a fan favorite, celebrated for his quirky personality, his deep passion for the game, and his unmistakable flair for style. While his innovative play-calling has propelled the Dolphins to the top of their conference, it's his off-the-field look that's turning heads across the NFL.

From his gilded sunglasses to his sought-after kicks, McDaniel’s sideline presence is a masterclass in modern sports fashion. His signature style features rolled-up sweatpants for a capri-inspired look, often paired with aviator shades and a high-end, statement-making watch. On any given game day, you might catch him in rare Off-White Nike Air Force 1s or Adidas Yeezys, accessorized with a $19,000 Breitling watch. And when the temperature drops, he channels his inner Joe Namath with a sherpa coat, proving that even in chilly weather, McDaniel is the NFL’s most swagged-out, well-styled coach.

What’s the secret behind this trendsetting wardrobe? According to McDaniel, it’s all about feeling true to himself. “I’ve always just kind of liked fashion,” he explains. “Sometimes people, I would say, agree with your style. Sometimes they don’t. But it’s kind of like my personality. I just kind of go with what I think makes me feel like me.”

Interestingly, McDaniel—who rarely uses his phone and avoids social media—indulges in shopping during his downtime. His favourite items appear to be shoes, backpacks, and, most notably, sunglasses. Over time, luxury eyewear has become a signature part of his game-day aesthetic, with the coach frequently spotted in high-end frames ranging from bold architectural designs to refined, minimalist silhouettes. These pieces add a level of sophistication that truly sets him apart from his coaching peers, elevating his already distinctive sideline presence. While his fashion sense is often praised, it’s his carefully selected eyewear that makes the strongest statement, blending contemporary style with the sharp, analytical persona he brings to the field. Let’s dive into some of the standout frames — from DITA to Tom Ford and Bottega Veneta — that have caught the attention of fans and fashion enthusiasts alike.

DITA TRILINE

DITA INTRACRAFT 

Above, McDaniel wears Dita Intracraft DTS 165 02 heading into the field prior to a preseason game against the Washington Commanders.

Recently, Mike McDaniel has been spotted during team practices and preseason games wearing two different colors of the DITA INTRACRAFT model. This eyewear features a sleek, continuous one-piece titanium rounded exoskeleton, offering a polished, modern take on the classic navigator frame. DITA's advanced design techniques are evident in the intricate details, such as sculpted titanium inserts around the lenses, finely pressed side cups, and multi-piece cylindrical temple tips. The fusion of chic, contemporary aesthetics with precise detailing exemplifies the artistry of modern eyewear, making it a fitting choice for McDaniel's distinctive and stylish look. 

McDaniel attends team practice in Miami Gardens, Florida, sporting Dita Intracraft DTS 165 01.

BOTTEGA VENETA BV1305S 001

   Above, McDaniel wears Bottega Veneta BV1305S 001, dubbed the "Sardine" aviator, during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts on 7 September.

DITA MIDNIGHT SPECIAL

Among Coach McDaniel's standout favorites are the DITA Midnight Special DRX 2010 D sunglasses, which he wears frequently both on and off the field.

The DITA Midnight Special sunglasses have quickly become Coach McDaniel's signature pair, perfectly complementing his distinctive style both on and off the field. These sunglasses feature a titanium frame and temples, offering both durability and a lightweight feel. The two-tone metal plating adds a touch of sophistication, while the floating side lens rim with nylor and diamond detailing enhances their unique design. Custom flex hinges and acetate temple tips ensure a comfortable fit, while the 100% UVA and UVB protective lenses with anti-reflective coating provide superior optical clarity. Handcrafted in Japan, the DITA Midnight Special exemplifies luxury and precision, making it a fitting choice for McDaniel's go-to eyewear.

 

DITA MACH-SIX

McDaniel sports the Dita Mach Six DTS121 03 Black Iron And Black Rhodium sunglasses at a game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium.

Coach McDaniel has been spotted sporting two different colors of the DITA Mach-Six frames, further solidifying his reputation for exceptional style on the sidelines. The Mach-Six frames represent the pinnacle of DITA’s dedication to minimalism and automotive-inspired design, refined through a meticulous two-year design review. Stripped of unnecessary ornamentation, these sunglasses embody the art of speed with their titanium lens rim and screw-mounted lenses, creating a sleek, uninterrupted look.

The frames are crafted with precision, featuring a forked hinge mechanism and DITA’s signature hex screw hinges that secure the temples to the frame's chassis. A dual titanium brow bar adds to the frames’ mechanical elegance, allowing for various finishes, while custom titanium nose pads and acetate temple tips with a laser-lined pattern ensure both comfort and style. With 100% UVA and UVB lenses protected by an anti-reflective coating and hand-crafted in Japan, the Mach-Six frames are a fearless new addition to DITA’s racing-inspired eyewear collection—making them a perfect fit for McDaniel's dynamic, high-speed world. 

Above, he wears Dita Mach Six DTS121 01 Yellow Gold And Black Rhodium sunglasses.

But McDaniel’s appreciation for DITA extends beyond just their sunglasses; he frequently opts for the brand’s optical glasses too...

 DITA LATARO

Recently, McDaniel wore Dita Lataro DTX 461 03 optical glasses at Hard Rock Stadium at a preseason game against the Washington Commanders.

The LATARO frame is a sophisticated blend of a sleek acetate rectangular front paired seamlessly with meticulously sculpted titanium temples, featuring finely machined line detailing. Designed to embody understated elegance, LATARO goes beyond being just an optical frame—it stands as a symbol of refined taste and quiet luxury. Crafted from high-quality Japanese acetate and equipped with custom titanium nose pads with diamond-pressed detailing, this frame is a testament to the superior craftsmanship for which Japanese eyewear is renowned.      

DITA TYPOGRAPHER

While speaking to the media prior to Miami Dolphins Minicamp, McDaniel wore Dita Typographer DTX142 01 glasses.

The DITA TYPOGRAPHER frame is crafted to reflect the innovative spirit of modern architecture and metalwork. It features a titanium channel-cut brow, complemented by intricate pressed line detailing that extends around the entire titanium lens rim. The design is further enhanced by titanium nose pads and slender titanium temples, which are finished with custom acetate tips. Every element of the Typographer is carefully executed with DITA's signature pressed line detail, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look throughout the collection. Made in Japan, this frame exemplifies the highest standards of precision and craftsmanship.

DITA SENATOR-THREE

Again, speaking to the media in May, McDaniel donned the Dita Senator Three DTX 137 03 glasses.

The DITA Senator-Three is a distinguished addition to the brand’s elegant, 1950s-inspired Senator series, featuring Art Deco influences and a striking new temple design that balances style and comfort seamlessly. The frame showcases a custom modular titanium chassis with a top brow bar that anchors the full titanium rims, a design element pivotal for future releases in the Senator series.

Crafted with precision, the Senator-Three features a full titanium rim adorned with pressed line details and custom titanium nose pads with diamond-pressed accents. The innovative dual titanium temples are enhanced with a pressed line detail and a contrasting finish, while the acetate temple tips are finished with a laser line detail. Additionally, DITA’s unique hex screw hinges complete the sophisticated look. Made in Japan, this frame combines lightweight construction with refined geometry, embodying a modern approach to classic optical design.  

Mike McDaniel’s luxury eyewear choices — from cutting-edge Japanese craftsmanship to Italian-made classics and modern fashion-house icons — reveal not just a preference for stylish accessories but a genuine appreciation for design, detail and craftsmanship. His rotating selection of frames highlights how personal style can coexist with professional focus, contributing to his reputation as one of the NFL’s most fashion-forward coaches. As McDaniel continues to lead the Miami Dolphins with his signature blend of strategic brilliance and understated flair, his eyewear serves as a perfect reflection of where performance meets polish. Whether DITA, Tom Ford, Bottega Veneta or beyond, his sunglasses remain a compelling part of his public persona, offering a glimpse into his sophisticated taste and the evolving landscape of modern luxury eyewear.

Explore more:

DITA Sunglasses

DITA Optical Glasses

Bottega Veneta Sunglasses

Tom Ford Glasses

Check out more frames in Mike McDaniel's Collection.

Au revoir,
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