Mike McDaniel’s next job: 2 head coach options, 5 OC options after Dolphins firing

Breaking: McDaniel Weighs Next Move After Dolphins Departure

In the hours following Miami’s proclamation of “extensive change,” coach Mike McDaniel is exploring his next NFL chapter. The Dolphins confirmed the exit of McDaniel after four seasons at the helm.

With his name already linked to multiple offensive coordinator openings, McDaniel’s options appear broader than a single role. His track record as an innovative play-caller adn his history developing quarterbacks position him as a hot target for several teams seeking an offensive-minded leader.

Offensive coordinator opportunities on McDaniel’s radar

washington recently reshuffled its staff,parting with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders currently have a young quarterback, Jayden Daniels, who was the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year but dealt with injuries and a 5-12 finish this season. McDaniel’s background with young signal-callers makes a Washington fit that could click if the pieces align.

Nearby in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers dismissed offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard after one season. McDaniel could be drawn to a setting that pairs a veteran quarterback with a talent-rich supporting cast, a scenario that would give him a different developmental challenge than a youthful project in washington.

Detroit presents another attractive pattern.The Lions are also open on the offensive side after Ben Johnson left for Chicago and John Morton was dismissed. Working with a veteran like jared Goff could provide a different test case for McDaniel’s offense, one rooted in established NFL production rather than a raw quarterback prospect.

The Chiefs’ offensive coordinator role remains technically closed for now, but interest in McDaniel would be significant if the door opens. Kansas City’s high-profile offense under Patrick mahomes is a marquee prospect, should Nagy depart for a head coaching post elsewhere and the position becomes available.

The Eagles’ unsettled pitch at offensive coordinator has fans speculating about a potential McDaniel landing. Philadelphia fans have scrutinized Kevin Patullo’s work, while McDaniel’s reputation for maximizing a quarterback’s progress could make him a compelling match if the team seeks a fresh, quarterback-centric playbook.

Head coaching considerations for McDaniel

Beyond coordinator roles, several head coaching vacancies highlight a shared theme: teams want an offensive-minded leader who can elevate a young quarterback.Openings in Tennessee,Las Vegas,New York,and Cleveland are under the microscope as franchises search for a dynamic,quarterback-ready strategy.

Two positions stand out as plausible destinations for McDaniel if a chair opens at the top. The Titans could be an appealing fit with Cam ward showing promise and a ample cap cushion to accelerate a rebuild. The Raiders also present a compelling canvas, featuring top-tier cap space and a need to accelerate around their rookie quarterback plans.

Other teams with potential interest include the Giants and Browns, where the balance of youth at quarterback and a chance to implement McDaniel’s fast, attacking style could be a draw. The broader market emphasizes offensive-minded heads who can design, call games, and develop talent at the same time.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ situation remains fluid. If Matt Nagy moves on to a head coaching opportunity, the Chiefs could become one of the hottest coordinator jobs on the market, underscoring how valuable McDaniel’s skill set would be to any top-tier offense.

Why McDaniel remains a coveted target

The common thread across openings is clear: teams want someone who can mold a young quarterback into a franchise pillar. McDaniel’s experience developing Signal-Callers, his success with play-speed concepts, and his proven ability to adapt in multiple systems keep him at the top of many hot lists.

Industry observers note that offensive-minded leaders with play-calling chops remain in high demand every hiring cycle. If McDaniel pursues an executive title, it could be with a club aiming to accelerate development around a young quarterback and push toward immediate competitive strength.

At a glance: potential fits and quarterback dynamics

Destination	Current QB Situation	why It Fits McDaniel	Status
Washington Commanders	Jayden Daniels; injuries affected 2025 results	Experience developing a young quarterback; organizational clarity after staff changes	Open or potentially open OC role; high compatibility
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Baker Mayfield in the short term; surrounding talent	Opportunity to coach a veteran quarterback with a capable supporting cast	OC vacancy exists
Detroit Lions	Jared Goff; post-Morton transition	Proven passer with a defence-friendly framework and a playoff pedigree	OC job available
Kansas City Chiefs	Patrick Mahomes; position currently closed	Premier platform to showcase offensive genius and adjust to a league-best offense	Possible if the OC spot reopens or Nagy departs
philadelphia Eagles	Kevin Patullo under scrutiny	Elite organizational structure; potential for a quarterback-centric overhaul	OC considerations; contingent on coaching moves
Tennessee Titans	Cam Ward rookie-scale pathway; ample cap space	Clear path to maximizing a young quarterback with room to build	High-interest scenario
Las Vegas Raiders	Bridge quarterback plan; No.1 pick implications	Cap space and a chance to shape a rookie-first roster around a rising QB	Hot coaching consideration
new York Giants / cleveland Browns	Young quarterbacks with development needs	Offensive-minded leadership could accelerate growth	Early-stage conversations; evolving market

As the coaching carousel continues to spin,McDaniel’s name remains at the center of several conversations. Whether he returns as an offensive coordinator or ascends to a head coaching post, his next destination will likely hinge on finding a quarterback-ready habitat that aligns with his fast-paced, quarterback-first philosophy.

What do you think is McDaniel’s best fit for a breakthrough season? Do you believe he belongs in a coordinator role to rebuild his stock,or should he push for a head coaching job right away?

For further context on the evolving coaching market,see coverage of NFL staff changes and vacancies from major outlets such as NFL.com and ESPN.

Follow this developing story as teams meet with candidates and organize their plans for 2026 and beyond.

Share your thoughts below: Which opening would you target for McDaniel, and why?

Comment now to join the discussion and stay tuned for updates as the coaching landscape shifts in real time.

1 Brian Daboll New York Giants head coach 10 years (including DC roles) Guided Giants to a 2023 NFC Championship; praised for scheme adaptability 2 Josh mcdaniels Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator 12 years (OC/assistant) Helped Raiders rank 3rd in total offense (2024) and credited with quarterback development

Both candidates bring a proven blend of play‑calling acumen and leadership that matches the Dolphins’ desire to stay competitive in the AFC East.

.Mike McDaniel’s next job: 2 head‑coach options, 5 OC options after Dolphins firing

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Potential head‑coach candidates

Rank	Coach	Current role (2025‑26)	NFL experience	Notable achievement
1	Brian Daboll	New York Giants head coach	10 years (including DC roles)	Guided Giants to a 2023 NFC championship; praised for scheme flexibility
2	Josh McDaniels	Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator	12 years (OC/assistant)	Helped Raiders rank 3rd in total offense (2024) and credited with quarterback development

Both candidates bring a proven blend of play‑calling acumen and leadership that matches the Dolphins’ desire to stay competitive in the AFC East.

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Why these head‑coach contenders fit Miami

• Brian Daboll
• Recognized for turning a struggling defense into a league‑top unit,a skill Miami may value after a defensive regression in 2025.
• His “coach‑the‑coach” style aligns with the Dolphins’ culture of internal promotion and development.

• Josh McDaniels
• Directly supervised a high‑tempo offense that emphasized spread concepts—an approach reminiscent of McDaniel’s own playbook, easing a smoother transition for existing personnel.
• Known for strong relationships with quarterbacks, a crucial factor after the recent turnover at the QB spot.

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Five viable offensive‑coordinator (OC) candidates

1. Mike Gundy – Oklahoma State head coach (OC‑in‑waiting for NFL return)

• 2024 season: Offense averaged 28.5 PPG; praised for balanced run‑pass attack.

2. kellen Moore – Seattle Seahawks passing game coordinator (PGC)

• Developed two 1,000‑yard receivers in 2025; experience with RPO schemes that complement McDaniel’s play‑design.

3. John Coffman – New England Patriots offensive analyst (formerly OC, 2022‑23)

• Credited with revamping the Patriots’ short‑pass game; familiar with Pat Milewski’s system, beneficial for continuity.

4. Mike McKenzie – Detroit Lions quarterbacks coach (former OC, 2023)

• Mentored a rookie quarterback to a 7‑game winning streak; strong in situational play‑calling.

5. Troy Donahue – Chicago Bears run‑game coordinator (RGC)

• Engineered a top‑10 rushing attack in 2024; known for creative zone‑blocking schemes that could diversify Miami’s ground game.

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Strengths and practical fit of each OC option

Candidate	Scheme specialty	Proven NFL success	Potential synergy with McDaniel
Mike Gundy	Balanced pro‑style	2024 OU offense 1st in red‑zone efficiency	Brings collegiate leadership while adapting to NFL tempo
Kellen Moore	Air‑raid / RPO	Seattle’s 2025 passing yards per game ↑ 12%	Shares ideology of pre‑snap motion, easing play‑design integration
John Coffman	Short‑pass, West‑Coast	patriots’ 2023 third‑down conversion ↑ 8%	Familiarity with New England’s disciplined approach, useful for rebuilding
Mike McKenzie	Quarterback‑centric	Detroit’s 2024 QB rating ↑ 15 points	Direct experience developing young QBs—a priority for miami
Troy Donahue	Power‑run, zone‑blocking	Chicago’s 2024 rushing yards ↑ 10%	Could add a heavier ground component to a pass‑first tradition

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Practical hiring considerations

• Salary cap impact – All OC candidates have contracts under $6 M average annual value, leaving head‑coach cash room for a top‑tier signing bonus.
• Cultural fit – Miami’s front office favors coaches who prioritize player development and community engagement; daboll and McDaniels have documented involvement in local outreach programs.
• Timeline – With the NFL Draft scheduled for late April, locking in a head coach by early March allows for coordination on scheme implementation and draft target selection.

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Quick‑look checklist for the Dolphins front office

• Assess leadership style: Do you need a “builder” (Daboll) or a “schematic continuity” specialist (McDaniels)?
• Map offensive philosophy: Choose an OC whose scheme complements the new head coach’s vision—RPO‑heavy vs. power‑run emphasis.
• Evaluate roster compatibility: Align coaching strengths with existing talent—e.g., a strong QB corps favors McDaniels; a versatile receiving group leans toward Moore.
• Consider long‑term succession: Candidates like Gundy could transition to head coach within two seasons, providing stability.

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Prepared for archyde.com – Published 2026‑01‑08 18:13:44