Mike McDaniel was on the Buffalo Bills’ radar as they searched for their next offensive coordinator, but that meeting never happened. The Bills had scheduled an interview with the former Dolphins head coach, but McDaniel ultimately decided to back out before it ever took place.
While the exact reason for his decision wasn’t immediately clear, a recent report from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated adds some context. According to Breer, McDaniel may have felt uneasy about jumping into a Bills interview so soon after reportedly agreeing to become the Los Angeles Chargers’ next offensive coordinator.
It’s an unusual situation, especially considering McDaniel has been active in this year’s coaching carousel. He’s been in the mix for several head-coaching jobs and has also drawn interest for offensive coordinator roles.
But despite reports that he’s headed to L.A., the Chargers haven’t made anything official yet-nearly a week after the initial buzz. That delay had led many around the league to believe McDaniel was still weighing his head-coaching options.
That’s what makes his decision to pass on the Bills interview all the more curious. On paper, Buffalo offers a compelling opportunity.
The Bills are in a win-now window with one of the league’s elite quarterbacks in Josh Allen. For a coach known for his offensive creativity, the chance to work with Allen and a playoff-caliber roster would seem like a strong draw.
But for now, that door appears closed. And that’s good news for the Chargers, who are hoping to secure McDaniel’s services without any last-minute competition. With Buffalo out of the picture, their chances of locking him in just got a little better.
As for what’s next, the Las Vegas Raiders may be the last team still considering McDaniel for a head-coaching role. But if the same hesitation that kept him from meeting with the Bills applies, it’s fair to wonder whether he’ll pass on that opportunity too.
This coaching cycle has been full of twists, and McDaniel’s next move remains one of the more intriguing storylines to watch.