Mike McDaniel is on the verge of becoming the Los Angeles Chargers’ next offensive coordinator - that is, unless another head coaching opportunity pulls him in a different direction.
McDaniel has already taken himself out of the running for the Buffalo Bills' head coaching job, but he remains very much in the conversation for the Las Vegas Raiders’ vacancy, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“Still in the mix for the Raiders coaching job is Mike McDaniel,” Rapoport reported. “He has pulled out of some of these things, but still in the mix for the Raiders. So we will see what Las Vegas ends up doing.”
The Raiders are casting a wide net in their search for a new head coach, and McDaniel is one of the more intriguing names on their list. He’s joined by Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak - all offensive-minded candidates.
That’s no coincidence. With the Raiders expected to select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, the organization is prioritizing a head coach who can develop and lead a young signal-caller from day one.
What McDaniel brings to the table is experience, creativity, and a proven ability to build an explosive offense. During his four-year run as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, McDaniel helped guide the team to two playoff appearances and compiled a 35-33 overall record.
Things cooled off in 2025 with a disappointing 7-10 finish, prompting Miami to move on. But McDaniel’s offensive résumé remains strong - and that’s what’s keeping him in the mix for another head coaching shot.
If hired in Las Vegas, McDaniel would inherit a team looking for a fresh start and a quarterback to build around. His time in Miami showed flashes of offensive brilliance, and while the Dolphins ultimately didn’t sustain long-term success, McDaniel’s system often put his players in position to thrive.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: Davis Webb is a strong candidate for the #Raiders; The latest on the #Eagles OC search; The #Steelers hired Mike McCarthy but what about his QB? pic.twitter.com/9q6mWVJXEa
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2026
Of course, he’ll face questions about what went wrong in Miami, especially after a promising start. But his offensive mind is still highly regarded around the league, and the Raiders are clearly interested in what he could bring to the table. There’s also the added wrinkle - if Las Vegas passes on him and he ends up in Los Angeles, they’ll be seeing him twice a year as a division rival.
After the fallout from the Pete Carroll situation, the Raiders are under pressure to get this hire right. They can’t afford another misstep.
McDaniel may not be a slam-dunk hire, but he offers a compelling mix of experience, innovation, and upside. Now it’s up to Las Vegas to decide if he’s the right man to lead the next era of Raiders football.