Steelers on Alert as AFC North Rivals Eye Mike McDaniel
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era. With Mike Tomlin stepping down in a move that caught many off guard, they now join the Ravens and Browns in the hunt for a new head coach. That alone would be enough offseason drama for most divisions - but there’s a twist that could make things even more unsettling for Steelers Nation.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is interviewing with the Baltimore Ravens this week. And while his recent stint in Miami ended on a sour note - a 7-10 season and his eventual dismissal - McDaniel’s name being linked to a division rival should raise eyebrows in Pittsburgh.
Don’t Let the Record Fool You
At first glance, McDaniel’s 35-33 career record with the Dolphins doesn’t scream “division-shifting hire.” But context matters.
Miami’s 2025 season was derailed by injuries and roster holes, particularly on offense. Tyreek Hill, the centerpiece of that attack, suffered a season-ending knee injury early on.
The Dolphins were never the same after that.
But rewind to 2023, and McDaniel's offense was electric. Miami led the league in total yardage and ranked second in points scored.
That same year, they dropped a historic 70-point performance on the Denver Broncos - a game that felt less like a win and more like a statement. Under McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa looked like a legitimate MVP candidate, thanks in large part to a scheme that emphasized speed, timing, and relentless pressure on opposing defenses.
Now imagine that same offensive mind pairing up with Lamar Jackson - a two-time MVP who already gives defensive coordinators nightmares. That’s not just a good fit. That’s a potential problem for the rest of the AFC North.
Why the AFC North Should Be Watching Closely
The Ravens are already one of the most complete teams in the league. They’ve got a deep, physical defense, a dynamic quarterback, and a front office that knows how to build around talent. If they add McDaniel to the mix, they’re not just making a coaching hire - they’re potentially unlocking a new level of offensive versatility.
McDaniel comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, which has become the gold standard for innovative offensive minds in today’s NFL. He’s especially skilled at designing run schemes and exploiting the middle of the field - areas where Baltimore can already do damage. Put that in motion with Lamar’s dual-threat ability and a strong supporting cast, and you’ve got a nightmare scenario for AFC North defenses.
Steelers Could See McDaniel Twice a Year
While the Browns are reportedly also interested in McDaniel, it’s his potential pairing with the Ravens that should have Steelers fans most concerned. Facing McDaniel twice a season - with a loaded Ravens roster and Lamar Jackson at the helm - is not the kind of challenge Pittsburgh wants to see as it begins its own coaching transition.
The Steelers are no strangers to tough division battles. But depending on how this coaching carousel shakes out, the AFC North could be getting even tougher. If Baltimore does land McDaniel, don’t be surprised if that offense starts looking a lot more like the high-octane version we saw in Miami’s 2023 campaign - only this time, with even more weapons and a quarterback who’s already proven he can carry a franchise.
For now, it’s just rumors. But if those rumors turn into reality, the Steelers - and the rest of the division - may have a whole new problem on their hands.