Mike McDaniel Coaching Search: Top 3 Perfect Destinations For Former Miami HC Ft. Titans OC

After serving as the Miami Dolphins head coach the last four seasons, Mike McDaniel was relieved of his duties on Jan. 8 following a 7-10 season this past year.

McDaniel led the Dolphins to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons after finishing second in the AFC East each year. But the Dolphins failed to make the playoffs in each of the last two seasons finishing second and third the last two seasons.

Prior to his four-year stint in Miami as their head coach, McDaniel served as the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. He’s been in the NFL as a coach since 2005.

With McDaniel on the open coaching market, let’s explore three places he could land in 2026:

3 Coaching Destinations For Mike McDaniel

-Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made multiple coaching changes this offseason after retaining Todd Bowles. One of those moves was firing offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Bowles could look to elevate his offense with McDaniels’ offensive mastermind. It would also be the ninth different offensive coordinator for quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The Buccaneers have already interviewed McDaniel and he could be a possible successor to Todd Bowles if the Buccaneers don’t make the playoffs next season.

-Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Rumor has it that the Philadelphia Eagles really want Mike McDaniel as their offensive coordinator. NFL insiders Diana Russini of The Athletic said that McDaniel and Brian Daboll are at the top of the Eagles’ list for their OC vacancy.

McDaniel, who was a prime candidate to join Dan Camp ell’s staff as the Detroit Lions’ OC, could land with Philly after Detroit hired Drew Petzing as its OC.

-Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator

This list doesn’t include head coaching openings for McDaniel, but that’s because he has a ton of interest in being an offensive coordinator. Coaches, typically go back to being coordinators too after being fired as a head coach.

The Tennessee Titans just hired Robert Saleh as its head coach yesterday, who is a defensive-minded coach. With quarterback Cam Ward entering his second season next year, having Mike McDaniel there to develop him could turn the Titans’ franchise around and help turn him into a Pro Bowl-caliber QB.

Read More: