The Detroit Lions are still searching for their next offensive coordinator, and with each passing day, the list of available candidates gets a little shorter. Even John Morton has already landed elsewhere, leaving Detroit fans wondering who will step in to replace Ben Johnson and keep the offense humming.
One name that continues to generate buzz is Mike McDaniel. After being let go by the Miami Dolphins, McDaniel is firmly in the mix for several OC openings around the league - and Detroit is near the top of that list in terms of appeal. But they’re not alone in their pursuit.
Enter the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to a report from Albert Breer, McDaniel has been making the rounds and could land a new gig as early as this week. Breer suggests that Tampa Bay might have the inside track - and not just because of their offensive weapons.
The real draw? A potential path to becoming the Bucs’ next head coach.
“If he does a good job,” Breer noted, “he could be set up to be Todd Bowles’s eventual successor.” That’s a big carrot to dangle, especially for a coach looking to rebuild his reputation and eventually return to the top of the coaching ladder.
That’s where things get tricky for the Lions.
Detroit has a lot going for it. Their offense is loaded - arguably one of the most talented units in the league.
But there are a couple of key factors that might make McDaniel think twice. For one, head coach Dan Campbell has hinted that he may take over play-calling duties in 2026.
That could limit McDaniel’s ability to fully implement his own system and showcase his creativity, something that’s critical for any coach trying to reestablish himself.
Then there’s job security. Campbell has earned it after Detroit’s recent resurgence, and barring a complete meltdown, he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. That means McDaniel wouldn’t just be giving up play-calling - he’d also be stepping into a role with little room for upward mobility.
Tampa Bay, on the other hand, offers something different. Bowles is a defense-first head coach, which would likely give McDaniel full control of the offense.
And if things go well, there’s a realistic shot at a head coaching opportunity down the line. That kind of setup is hard to ignore.
Plus, the Bucs’ roster isn’t exactly lacking in talent. Emeka Egbuka and Mike Evans could form one of the most dangerous receiver duos in the league next season.
And when Baker Mayfield is healthy, he’s shown he can be one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFC. Tampa Bay narrowly missed the playoffs last year, largely due to a brutal run of injuries.
With a healthier roster and a few smart offseason moves, they’re poised to be a serious contender in 2026.
Still, it’s hard not to feel like the Lions job is being a bit underrated in all this.
Detroit offers the kind of offensive firepower that can make any coordinator look like a genius. If McDaniel is looking for a quick bounce-back opportunity - a way to remind the league of what he can do when given the right tools - this might be the place. The Lions have the personnel, the momentum, and a fan base that’s all-in.
Could Detroit sweeten the pot financially to pull him in? Maybe.
But that kind of move comes with risk. If it doesn’t work out, the backlash could be swift.
And McDaniel, more than anything, needs the right fit - not just the right paycheck.
In the end, this decision might come down to one simple question: does McDaniel want to rebuild his reputation as an elite offensive mind, or is he looking for a stepping stone back to a head coaching role?
If it’s the latter, Tampa Bay might have the edge. But if he’s focused on putting together a top-tier offense and reminding the league why he was once one of the most sought-after minds in the game, Detroit still has a compelling case to make.