The Detroit Lions are in the middle of a crucial offseason decision: finding the right offensive coordinator to keep their offense humming after Ben Johnson’s departure. And while head coach Dan Campbell is casting a wide net in the search, one name stands out - Mike McDaniel.
Yes, that Mike McDaniel - the creative offensive mind who previously led the Dolphins and is now one of the hottest names on the coaching carousel. McDaniel’s phone is ringing off the hook this January, with multiple interviews lined up for both offensive coordinator and head coaching gigs.
The Lions are in the mix, but they’re not alone. And they’re certainly not the only team offering a quarterback with upside and a cupboard full of offensive weapons.
McDaniel has already interviewed for Detroit’s OC job, but he's also spoken with the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns about their head coaching vacancies. That’s the kind of demand you expect for someone with his track record.
And let’s be clear: McDaniel is in a position of power. He can afford to be selective - and he should be.
According to reports, McDaniel is set to interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next. That might not seem like the flashiest destination at first glance, but here’s where things get interesting. Unlike Detroit - and several other teams in the market for a new offensive coordinator - Tampa Bay offers something unique: full autonomy.
As ESPN’s Jeff Darlington pointed out on SportsCenter, most of the teams with OC openings have head coaches who specialize in offense. That means any new coordinator is likely walking into a situation where they’ll be collaborating - or at times, deferring - to the head coach’s vision.
Not so in Tampa Bay. Todd Bowles is a defensive-minded coach, and he’s reportedly willing to hand over the keys to the offense.
That includes the freedom to bring in staff, install a full system, and run the show without interference.
That kind of control is rare. And for someone like McDaniel, who’s already proven he can build and call an offense, it’s a major selling point.
Especially when you consider Tampa Bay’s recent track record: the Bucs are on their fourth offensive coordinator in as many years, but the last two before Josh Grizzard - Dave Canales and Liam Coen - both landed head coaching jobs after short stints. That’s not a coincidence.
It’s a sign that the OC role in Tampa Bay can be a fast track to the top.
Meanwhile, back in Detroit, there’s a bit more uncertainty. Campbell hasn’t ruled out keeping play-calling duties for himself, and that could be a sticking point.
While he’s been clear about wanting the offense to reflect his vision, that level of oversight might not sit well with someone like McDaniel, who’s used to calling the shots. The idea of coming in just to have your wings clipped?
That’s a non-starter for a coach with options.
And that’s the reality the Lions are facing. If they want to land a top-tier offensive coordinator, they may need to loosen the reins.
That means trusting someone like McDaniel to run the offense - even if it means he’s only around for a year before taking another head coaching job. That’s the risk you take when you hire great coaches.
But it’s also how you keep momentum going in a league where continuity is king.
McDaniel isn’t done interviewing. After meeting with the Bucs, he’s scheduled to sit down with the Las Vegas Raiders about their head coaching vacancy and the Los Angeles Chargers about their OC job. That’s a crowded calendar, and it only underscores how in-demand he is.
For Lions fans hoping to see McDaniel in Honolulu blue, the latest developments aren’t exactly encouraging. Tampa Bay can offer something Detroit can’t - full control and a clear runway. And that might be enough to tip the scales.
The Lions have a strong roster, a quarterback who’s proven he can win, and a head coach who’s built a winning culture. But if they want to keep their offense among the league’s elite, they’ll need to hand the keys to someone who knows how to drive - and let him drive. Whether that’s McDaniel or someone else, the decision will shape the next chapter of Detroit’s rise.