The Raiders’ head coaching search is heating up, and one of the most intriguing names now in the mix is former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. According to Tom Pelissero, McDaniel is set to meet with Las Vegas on Monday as the team continues its wide-ranging search for the next leader of the franchise.
McDaniel joins a growing list of candidates the Raiders have either interviewed or are planning to speak with, a list that reflects the organization’s intent to cast a wide net. So far, they’ve interviewed Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
They've also put in requests to speak with Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase is scheduled to meet with the team, and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is also in the mix.
But McDaniel’s name stands out for a few reasons.
At 42, McDaniel already has a deep and diverse coaching résumé. His NFL journey began back in 2005 as a coaching intern with the Broncos.
From there, he worked his way through the ranks with stints in Houston, Washington, Cleveland, and Atlanta, primarily on the offensive side of the ball. His big break came in San Francisco, where he joined Kyle Shanahan’s staff in 2017 as the 49ers’ run game coordinator.
He held that role through 2020 before being elevated to offensive coordinator in 2021. That season helped launch him into the head coaching spotlight.
The Dolphins hired McDaniel in 2022, signing him to a four-year deal to bring his offensive creativity and player-friendly leadership style to South Beach. Over four seasons in Miami, he posted a 35-33 record and guided the team to two playoff appearances. While the Dolphins ultimately decided to move on after the 2025 season, McDaniel’s offensive acumen and innovative approach to game planning continue to make him a hot commodity.
In fact, McDaniel isn’t just drawing interest for head coaching gigs. He’s also reportedly on the radar for high-profile offensive coordinator roles, including with the Eagles and Lions-two teams that value schematic flexibility and forward-thinking play design.
For the Raiders, this meeting with McDaniel could be more than just a formality. With a roster in transition and a fan base hungry for sustained success, Las Vegas may be looking for a coach who not only brings experience but also a modern vision for how to win in today’s NFL.
McDaniel checks a lot of those boxes. He’s known for his ability to connect with players, adapt his offense to fit personnel, and find creative ways to move the ball-traits that could mesh well with the Raiders’ current talent and long-term goals.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this develops. The Raiders are clearly doing their homework, and McDaniel’s upcoming visit could be a pivotal moment in their coaching search.