Mike McDaniel sparks league-wide interest as coaching market heats up after Dolphins exit

NFL coaching carousel is gaining momentum, and former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after names on the market.

Less than a week after parting ways with Miami, McDaniel is already drawing attention from teams looking to revamp their offensive identity ahead of the 2026 season.

One such team is the Detroit Lions, whose recent coaching decision has sent ripples across the NFC North.

Lions move quickly after offensive shake-up

Detroit recently dismissed offensive coordinator John Morton following an underwhelming transition year after Ben Johnson’s departure.

With the vacancy now open, the Lions have wasted little time identifying top-tier candidates capable of sustaining their high-powered offense.

On Thursday, January 8, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported: the Lions “have reached out to former #Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel about their vacant offensive coordinator position, sources say. McDaniel is a top candidate for any open OC job.”

That outreach alone signals just how highly McDaniel is regarded around the league, even after his exit from Miami.

Mike McDaniel’s offensive track record speaks loudly

McDaniel inherited a struggling Dolphins offense and delivered immediate results. In his first season, Miami jumped from 22nd in scoring to 11th, showcasing a rapid turnaround.

The upward trajectory continued, with the Dolphins finishing second in the league in scoring during the 2023 season.

Under McDaniel’s leadership, Miami also achieved back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in 20 years, a milestone that significantly elevated his standing among NFL decision-makers.

His offensive resume includes orchestrating a historic 70-point performance, further cementing his reputation as one of football’s most innovative minds.

Roots of success trace back to San Francisco

Before his tenure in Miami, Mike McDaniel was widely credited as a key architect behind the San Francisco 49ers’ dominant rushing attack.

His work in San Francisco helped fuel multiple deep playoff runs and a Super Bowl appearance, experience that continues to enhance his appeal for teams seeking offensive stability and creativity.

That background makes McDaniel a particularly intriguing fit for Detroit, a team that has prioritized offensive consistency in recent seasons.

Why Detroit is an attractive landing spot

Even without a confirmed head coaching opportunity elsewhere, Detroit’s offensive coordinator role stands out as one of the most appealing positions available. The Lions have finished inside the top five in scoring for four consecutive seasons, including a No. 4 ranking in 2025.

This sustained production came despite head coach Dan Campbell assuming playcalling duties midway through the season, highlighting the strength of Detroit’s offensive foundation and the upside awaiting the next coordinator.

For division rivals like the Minnesota Vikings, Mike McDaniel potentially landing in Detroit would add another layer of complexity to an already competitive NFC North.