Just hours after his dismissal from the Miami Dolphins, former head coach Mike McDaniel has become one of the most sought-after names on the NFL's coaching market, with multiple franchises already vying for his services.
A Swift Transition to the Job Market
Mike McDaniel's tenure with the Dolphins came to an end following another challenging season. Remarkably, within 12 hours of his firing, McDaniel had already been contacted by the Detroit Lions regarding their offensive coordinator position. However, the interest extends far beyond a coordinator role, with several teams considering him for their top coaching job.
Multiple Interviews Lined Up
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, four teams have scheduled interviews with the 42-year-old coach. The Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans have all arranged meetings. Reports from NFL.com indicate that McDaniel's interview with the Falcons has already been completed, while sessions with the Ravens, Browns, and Titans are now in the diary.
Assessing the McDaniel Era in Miami
McDaniel compiled a regular-season record of 35 wins and 33 losses over his four seasons in South Florida. Despite this, his time was marked by playoff disappointments. He led the Dolphins to the postseason only twice, with both appearances ending in defeat.
The first playoff loss occurred after quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater suffered season-ending injuries. This forced McDaniel to start rookie Skylar Thompson in a frigid 34-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The following year, in 2023, Miami faced the Kansas City Chiefs in one of the coldest games in NFL history, succumbing to a 26-7 defeat.
The team failed to reach the playoffs in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, recording records of 8-9 and 7-10 respectively, which ultimately led to the organisation's decision to make a change.
McDaniel's blend of offensive acumen and his relatively young age now make him an attractive prospect for NFL teams looking to revitalise their fortunes, sparking a competitive race for his signature.
