There is no question new Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel brings a unique personality and fresh perspective to the NFL head coaching ranks.

Going into free agency, there was a belief that maybe his individuality and communication style could help the Dolphins land a prized free agent or two. Even if not entirely a direct correlation, his presence couldn’t have hurt as the Dolphins signed left tackle Terron Armstead and acquired speedster Tyreek Hill via trade, then signing him to a record contract extension for a wide receiver.

“He’s probably the funniest head coach I’ve ever met in my life. He’s a dope guy, a fun guy to be around. I can tell that already, and his energy is contagious,” said Hill as he and Armstead were introduced by the Dolphins on Thursday. “The way he was telling me he was going to get me the ball, that’s always exciting for a receiver. But my biggest thing is his whole message off the field, man. ‘Tyreek, just be you.’ … That’s all I can ask for, man: A coach to have my back off the field.”

Both Hill and agent Drew Rosenhaus mentioned the similarities in how McDaniel might use Hill the way McDaniel found innovative ways to get Deebo Samuel involved as offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, incorporating the wide receiver into the running game along with the passing game.

McDaniel’s background in leading the 49ers’ rushing attack before his one season as offensive coordinator is also a plus for linemen that prefer to get downhill and run block.

“He understands us more than a few others,” said Armstead, known for mauling defenders the way tackle Trent Williams did in McDaniel’s scheme with the 49ers. “It’s a tough job. It’s a tough position. It’s a thankless position. We are asked to go and create. You don’t necessarily get the celebrations or the rewards, which is fine. It takes a unique group of individuals to do that over and over without expecting to be rewarded or to be patted on the back.

“Mike likes to put offensive linemen in the best position to be successful. He uses your strengths and abilities, which was another factor with me signing to Miami. The offensive scheme and the fit, I think, is perfect for what I do best. Be explosive, physical, get out and run.”

That running game in San Francisco produced the best the NFL has seen from Raheem Mostert, who is sticking with McDaniel, following him across the country. Mostert knows McDaniel better than most in Miami.

“He just wants the best out of his players no matter what transpires throughout the rest of the team,” Mostert said. “In his role that he had with the 49ers, he definitely exemplified a guy that can go out there and get players pumped up, including myself.

“Mike is definitely one of those coaches that has a lot of tenacity. He brings a lot of [charisma] and stuff like that that is ultimately going to lead players in the right direction.”

And fellow running back signing Chase Edmonds got a sense of what McDaniel is made of as an NFC West opponent with the Arizona Cardinals.

“The one thing that really just stood out to me watching San Fran twice a year and their offense was the creativity of it,” Edmonds said. “It really felt like McDaniel did a really good job of just being creative and kind of playing to his players’ styles.

“I really liked Miami because, McDaniel, I really felt like McDaniel could utilize me in ways where it benefits me to my playing ability, so that was really a home run hitter for there.”

That creativity that McDaniel brings could potentially get new wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., a former high school quarterback who can throw the ball, a chance to toss a pass on a trick play.

“Knowing what he did in San Francisco and playing them and watching them,” Wilson said, “they were a heck of an offense, and I’m sure he has a lot more tricks up his sleeve than he’s already shown.”

Fellow wideout and special teams contributor Trent Sherfield, who had McDaniel in San Francisco, like Mostert, said: “Mike is a genius. The way that he’s able to break down just the defense and he’s able to put players in position to make plays, it’s honestly really amazing. … He’s a mastermind, and I can’t wait to get into the offense.”

A constant theme in players’ thoughts on McDaniel was a sense that they were talking more so to a friend than a football coach as they hung out.

“When I first met him, we were just chilling on the couch, talking,” free agent cornerback and special teams ace Keion Crossen said. “It wasn’t even about ball. It was about life, and that’s all that matters. We know he’s a hell of a coach and he’ll get to prove that when his time comes. At the end of the day, he’s a player’s coach. I’m looking forward to getting to know him a little bit more, and I’m sure he’s looking forward to getting to know me more, as well.”

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