The Chargers are wasting no time in their search for a new offensive coordinator, and they’re aiming high. Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is set to interview for the role early next week, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. And make no mistake-this is a name that carries weight across the league.
McDaniel is one of the most in-demand offensive minds available this offseason. He’s reportedly drawing interest not just for coordinator gigs, but for head coaching positions as well.
That includes serious looks from teams like the Eagles and Lions, both of whom are also in the market for top-tier offensive leadership. So why would McDaniel consider a coordinator role in Los Angeles?
Two words: Justin Herbert.
The Chargers’ franchise quarterback is the kind of talent that can make any offensive coach’s playbook come alive. Despite a turbulent 2025 season, Herbert remains one of the most gifted passers in the league-strong arm, sharp mind, and a ceiling that still feels untapped. Pairing him with McDaniel, a coach known for his creative play design and ability to scheme receivers open, could be a game-changer for the Bolts.
McDaniel’s coaching journey has been anything but linear, but it’s been rich with experience. He broke into the NFL in 2005 as an intern with the Broncos and then spent the next decade bouncing through various offensive roles with Houston, Washington, Cleveland, and Atlanta. It was in San Francisco where he really began to make his mark, serving as the 49ers’ run game coordinator from 2017 to 2020 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2021.
That 2021 season with the 49ers helped catapult him into the head coaching ranks. The Dolphins hired him in 2022, signing him to a four-year deal.
Over his four seasons in Miami, McDaniel led the team to a 35-33 record, including two playoff appearances. While things ultimately didn’t work out-he was let go after the 2025 season-there’s no denying the offensive spark he brought to the Dolphins during his tenure.
Now, McDaniel’s back on the market, and he won’t be for long. The Chargers’ job offers a unique blend of opportunity and talent, and with a quarterback like Herbert under center, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most attractive OC openings in the league.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this unfolds. If the Chargers can land McDaniel, it could be the first big step in reshaping an offense that’s been searching for consistency-and maybe even something special.