The Detroit Lions' search for a new offensive coordinator had plenty of buzz, and for good reason. At the center of that conversation was Mike McDaniel-a name that understandably turned heads. Known for crafting one of the most creative, high-octane offenses in the league during his time with the Dolphins, McDaniel’s ability to maximize speed and space made him a tantalizing fit for a Lions roster loaded with explosive young talent like Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams.
But instead of bringing McDaniel to Detroit, the Lions went in a different direction, hiring Drew Petzing to lead the offense. Meanwhile, McDaniel appeared to land on his feet quickly, reportedly agreeing to become the next offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.
That seemed like the end of the story-until it wasn’t.
Just days after news broke of McDaniel heading to L.A., reports surfaced that he was still taking interviews for head coaching opportunities, including one with the Buffalo Bills. That interview ultimately didn’t happen, but it’s clear McDaniel remains in the mix for the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching vacancy.
So what does this mean? Well, for the Chargers, it’s a bit of a curveball.
If McDaniel is still actively exploring head coaching jobs, it puts them in a precarious spot-potentially without the offensive architect they thought they’d secured. And for Lions fans who were hoping McDaniel would land in Detroit, this development might actually reinforce the idea that Detroit made the right call in going with Petzing.
Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. McDaniel is undeniably talented.
His early success in Miami-particularly his ability to scheme open receivers and design motion-heavy plays that put defenders in a bind-was some of the most exciting offensive football we’ve seen in recent years. But it’s also fair to acknowledge that the Dolphins' offense hit some turbulence over the past couple of seasons.
Whether that was due to injuries, defensive adjustments, or something else, it’s part of the overall evaluation.
Now, if the Lions had hired McDaniel, there’s a strong chance it would’ve been a short-term arrangement. He’s still seen as a rising head coaching candidate, and any success in Detroit likely would’ve put him right back in the HC conversation next offseason.
That kind of turnover can be tough, especially when a new coordinator brings in a new system, new terminology, and a different rhythm for the offense to learn. Continuity matters-especially for a team with legitimate playoff (and maybe even Super Bowl) aspirations.
Would a year of McDaniel have been worth it if he helped push the Lions over the top? Possibly.
If he came in, lit up the scoreboard, and helped Detroit make a deep postseason run, fans likely wouldn’t have minded if he left with a Lombardi Trophy in tow. But if the transition had been rocky or short-lived, it could’ve left the team scrambling again just as they were finding their footing.
In the end, McDaniel’s decision to keep his options open doesn’t necessarily paint him in a negative light. No contracts have been signed, and it’s not unusual for coaches to pursue the biggest opportunities available. But it does underscore the reality that he may not have been a long-term solution for any team looking for stability on the offensive side of the ball.
For the Lions, that makes the Petzing hire look a little more strategic. He may not have the same flash as McDaniel, but his 2024 season turned heads, and the potential for growth in 2025 was hard to ignore.
Detroit’s offense already has the talent. What they need now is someone who can build on what’s working-and stick around long enough to see it through.
So while McDaniel’s name will continue to generate headlines, the Lions made a calculated decision. And with the way things are unfolding, it just might be the right one.