The Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive struggles this season haven’t exactly been subtle. From inconsistent quarterback play to a battered offensive line, it’s been a rough ride for Raider Nation. And while there’s plenty of blame to go around, the recent firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly marked a clear turning point - not just for the team, but for fans who had long been calling for a new direction.
Kelly’s exit didn’t come as a surprise. His three-year, $18 million deal was always going to be more of a concern for owner Mark Davis than for the fan base.
What was a concern for fans was the lack of progress on the field. Despite the obvious issues - Geno Smith’s erratic performances and a line that’s struggled to keep him upright - Kelly was the only piece of the offensive puzzle that felt changeable.
With Smith and the offensive line coach both having strong ties to Pete Carroll, Kelly became the fall guy, fairly or not.
As the Raiders began looking toward the future, attention quickly turned to a name that’s been buzzing around the league for a while now: Mike McDaniel. The current Miami Dolphins head coach has earned a reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in football.
His creative play-calling, ability to scheme receivers open, and knack for maximizing talent have made him a rising star. And for a Raiders offense desperate for innovation, McDaniel’s name brought a glimmer of hope - even if it was a long shot.
But that pipe dream may be slipping away.
After a rocky start to the season, the Dolphins made a major move by firing longtime general manager Chris Grier on October 31. At the time, many assumed McDaniel might be next.
Instead, Miami has rallied. The team has strung together three straight wins, improving to 5-7 and putting themselves back in the playoff conversation.
That turnaround has done more than just boost morale in South Florida - it may have saved McDaniel’s job.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, league insiders believe McDaniel is firmly back in the good graces of Dolphins ownership. He’s reportedly well-liked within the organization, and with the team trending upward, there’s growing confidence that he’ll remain in Miami beyond this season. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him still leading the Dolphins into 2026.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for Raiders fans who were starting to let themselves dream. McDaniel wasn’t just a potential OC hire - he represented a possible culture shift, a fresh offensive identity, and a way to finally unlock the potential of a roster that’s felt stuck in neutral.
Now, unless Miami falters down the stretch or McDaniel becomes unexpectedly available, the Raiders will have to look elsewhere. And that’s no easy task.
The challenge becomes even more complicated if Pete Carroll remains in place. Reports following Kelly’s dismissal suggest that internal dynamics could make it difficult to bring in a truly independent offensive mind. If the next OC is expected to work within the existing structure - one that hasn’t exactly yielded results - then the Raiders might find themselves right back where they started.
Still, the search isn’t over. Whether it's McDaniel or another emerging offensive strategist, Las Vegas needs a coordinator who can bring something different - someone who can modernize the attack, elevate the quarterback play, and breathe life into a unit that’s been flatlining for too long.
For now, McDaniel may be off the table. But in the NFL, things change fast. The Raiders just have to be ready when the next opportunity presents itself.