Mike McDaniel may be out as head coach in Miami, but his next chapter in the NFL is already taking shape-and it’s far from over. While he’s widely expected to join the Los Angeles Chargers as their new offensive coordinator, McDaniel isn’t shutting the door on another shot at a top job.
According to reports, McDaniel is still actively pursuing head coaching opportunities around the league. He’s scheduled to interview with the Buffalo Bills on Friday, one of five teams still in search of a new head coach. The others include the Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns-though McDaniel has reportedly withdrawn from consideration in Cleveland.
So why is McDaniel still in the mix for head coaching gigs if he’s expected to land in L.A.? It comes down to timing.
While conversations with the Chargers are ongoing, nothing has been finalized. That leaves the door open for McDaniel to explore other options, and he’s doing just that.
If no head coaching offer materializes, the Chargers are waiting. And it’s not hard to see why.
McDaniel’s offensive acumen is well-respected around the league. His creative play design and ability to scheme receivers open made waves during his time in Miami, especially when the Dolphins were firing on all cylinders early in the 2025 season.
In Los Angeles, he’d be teaming up with newly hired head coach Jim Harbaugh, forming a potentially dynamic pairing on the offensive side of the ball. The Chargers are also in the market for a defensive coordinator following a recent departure to Baltimore, so the staff is still taking shape.
For now, McDaniel is playing it smart-keeping his options open, staying in the head coaching conversation, and positioning himself for a strong role in 2026, whether it’s running an entire team or orchestrating an offense from the booth.