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Mike McDaniel Tracker: Latest Updates About Ex-Dolphins Coach’s NFL Job Search

Mike McDaniel is set to interview with several teams this week.
Mike McDaniel is one of the hottest commodities in this year’s coaching carousel.
Mike McDaniel is one of the hottest commodities in this year’s coaching carousel. | Rich Storry-Imagn Images

When the Dolphins decided to move on from coach Mike McDaniel, he instantly became one of the hottest coaching candidates in the NFL.

McDaniel went 35–33 during his time in Miami while leading the Dolphins to two playoff appearances. Though McDaniel was unable to help the Dolphins win a playoff game over his four seasons, he did develop a reputation as one of the top offensive minds in the sport as he led a creative offense that ranked No. 1 in total yards and passing yards per game in 2023.

With a quarter of the league in need of a new head coach and multiple teams also in search of their next offense coordinator, McDaniel is naturally coveted for many vacancies due to his experience, success scheming an offense and ability to get more out of a quarterback—like he showed with Tua Tagovailoa. A number of the other top coaching candidates this year are more defensive-minded, making McDaniel even more enticing for multiple franchises.

As McDaniel begins interviewing with teams, here’s a tracker and timeline of the latest reports on McDaniel’s job search, with the latest updates at the top.

Tuesday, Jan 20: McDaniel expected to land with Chargers

After interviewing with the Chargers, Adam Schefter reported that McDaniel is expected to become the Chargers’ next offensive coordinator. McDaniel will replace Greg Roman, who was fired earlier this month.

Tuesday, Jan. 20: Mike McDaniel withdraws name from Browns’ vacancy

Per Tom Pelissero, McDaniel informed the Browns he is withdrawing his name from consideration to become the team’s head coach. McDaniel was slated to interview with Cleveland on Wednesday, but will now remove himself from the Browns’ coaching search.

Tuesday, Jan. 20: Mike McDaniel lands interview for Chargers’ offensive coordinator gig

Following his interview with the Raiders, NFL Network reported McDaniel will hop on a plane and head across the country to Los Angeles and interview for the Chargers’ open offensive coordinator job.

Los Angeles fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman following the Chargers’ ugly 16–3 loss to the Patriots in the wild-card round. McDaniel would have the chance to work with quarterback Justin Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh if he took the Chargers’ gig.

Monday, Jan. 19: Mike McDaniel to interview with Raiders in Miami

The Athletic reported Saturday that the Raiders have asked a few candidates to meet them in Miami on Monday where team officials will be watching Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza—the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft—play in the national championship game against Miami.

One of those coaching candidates, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, is McDaniel. The former Dolphins coach will interview for the Raiders’ open head coaching job.

Friday, Jan. 16: Mike McDaniel to interview for Buccaneers OC vacancy

Per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, Mike McDaniel is slated to interview for the Buccaneers offensive coordinator position on Friday. Tampa Bay is searching for a new offensive coordinator after the firing of Josh Grizzard, and have already interviewed Giants interim coach Mike Kafka for the role.

Thursday, Jan. 15: Ravens complete interview with McDaniel

The Ravens announced on Thursday that they completed an interview with McDaniel for their head coaching opening, their 11th formal interview since firing John Harbaugh.

Wednesday, Jan 14: McDaniel reportedly a top target for Eagles OC vacancy

After parting ways with Kevin Patullo, the Eagles are looking for their next offensive coordinator. Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Eagles have begun reaching out to candidates and McDaniel and Brian Daboll are at the top of their list.

Wednesday, Jan. 14: Titans host McDaniel

After previously interviewing with the Browns and Falcons this week, ESPN reported Wednesday that McDaniel was at the Titans’ facilities as he mulls his next coaching spot.

Monday, Jan. 12: McDaniel interviews with Browns, Falcons

The Browns announced that their interview with McDaniel took place on Monday. McDaniel previously served as a wide receiver coach on the Browns under Kyle Shanahan and Mike Pettine back in 2014.

The Falcons also announced that they interviewed McDaniel on Monday. McDaniel notably has prior connections to the Falcons from when he worked as an offensive assistant with the team in 2015 and 2016. Then Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was just named the team’s president of football, adding to his ties to Atlanta.

Monday, Jan. 12: Five teams to interview McDaniel this week

It didn’t take long for McDaniel to begin receiving interest from other teams after his firing. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday that the Falcons, Ravens, Browns and Titans will interview McDaniel for their head coaching opening this week. The Lions will also interview McDaniel for their offensive coordinator vacancy on Tuesday.

Friday, Jan. 9: McDaniel lands first interview after firing

Just one day after getting fired by the Dolphins, it was reported that McDaniel would interview with the Titans for their head coaching vacancy on Wednesday, Jan. 14. The Titans have primarily interviewed former head coaches to this point, and McDaniel fits that mold.

Thursday, Jan. 8: Dolphins fire McDaniel after four seasons

Four days after the 2025 regular season came to a close, the Dolphins decided to fire coach Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins fired general manager Chris Grier midseason, and McDaniel appeared like he might have done enough to save his job when they went on a four-game winning streak right after Grier’s firing. Ultimately though, the Dolphins ended up letting go of McDaniel as well as they usher in a new era in Miami.

This post will be updated. Check back for updates.


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Eva Geitheim
EVA GEITHEIM

Eva Geitheim is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Prior to joining SI in December 2024, she wrote for Newsweek, Gymnastics Now and Dodgers Nation. A Bay Area native, she has a bachelor's in communications from UCLA. When not writing, she can be found baking or re-watching Gilmore Girls.