The Miami Dolphins became the latest team to create a head coaching vacancy, opting to fire Mike McDaniel on Thursday after four seasons. McDaniel led the Dolphins to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, but had back-to-back losing seasons in 2024 and 2025.
McDaniel is now one of the more intriguing coaches available on the market for teams that want to add a creative offensive mind to their staff. While his time in Miami is over, McDaniel still has a chance to make a mark in the NFL next season.
So, where will Mike McDaniel go next? Here's a breakdown.
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What's next for Mike McDaniel?
McDaniel instantly becomes an offensive coordinator option for teams looking to fill that role, giving him a chance to rebound. However, it's also possible that McDaniel jumps right back in as a head coach for a new team. Here's a look at some teams that could consider hiring McDaniel.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns seem like they want to keep defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz next year, which would shrink the pool of candidates, but McDaniel is a logical choice to do so. McDaniel's offensive background would allow him to take over that side of the ball while letting Schwartz handle the defense. Of course, this is basically how Cleveland was structured under Kevin Stefanski over the past few years, and that ended with Stefanski's firing.
Washington Commanders
McDaniel could replace Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator for the Commanders, since he and head coach Dan Quinn have a history together. McDaniel worked for Quinn when Quinn was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, and McDaniel says he is "forever indebted" to Quinn for supporting him when he got sober. McDaniel previously spent three seasons with Washington as an offensive assistant under Mike Shanahan.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Todd Bowles is looking for his fifth offensive coordinator in five seasons as the Buccaneers head coach, so McDaniel would give him experience at the position. Tampa Bay will look to return to the playoffs in 2026, and hiring McDaniel could allow the team to avoid any growing pains that comes from hiring a first-time OC. McDaniel hasn't previously worked with Baker Mayfield, but Mayfield has run offenses similar to the one McDaniel ran in Miami.
Detroit Lions
Another successful team coming off a disappointing season, the Lions fired OC John Morton after just one season. McDaniel's success in the run game fits what Dan Campbell wants in his offense with Jahmyr Gibbs as the centerpiece. In 2025, De'von Achane had 1,350 rushing yards and 488 receiving yards with McDaniel, who could help unlock Gibbs even more as Gibbs enters his prime.
Robert Saleh's new team
This one's a little tough to predict, but Saleh and McDaniel worked together with the 49ers for years before they both became head coaches. Therefore, if Saleh gets another head coaching job this cycle, he could hire McDaniel as his offensive coordinator. Of course, this could be the case for any newly-hired head coach who needs an offensive coordinator, but McDaniel's connection with Saleh likely would give Saleh the edge.
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Mike McDaniel coaching record
| Year | Record | Winning percentage |
| 2022 | 9-8 | .529 |
| 2023 | 11-6 | .647 |
| 2024 | 8-9 | .471 |
| 2025 | 7-10 | .412 |
How old is Mike McDaniel?
Mike McDaniel is still only 42 years-old, so he is young enough that he will get a second head coaching opportunity in the future. McDaniel's age also makes him an attractive offensive coordinator option for many teams.