The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still searching for their next offensive coordinator, and with Todd Monken opting to follow John Harbaugh to the New York Giants, their list of top-tier candidates just got shorter. Now, all eyes are on one name: Mike McDaniel.
McDaniel, the former Miami Dolphins head coach, is widely regarded as one of the sharpest offensive minds in the game. His time in Miami may not have panned out at the top spot, but his reputation as a play designer and offensive strategist remains elite. Around the league, he's seen as a guy who can scheme with the best of them - someone who understands the nuances of spacing, timing, and mismatches in ways few others do.
For the Buccaneers, who struggled mightily on offense under Josh Grizzard, McDaniel represents more than just a fresh start - he could be the key to unlocking the potential of a unit that never quite found its rhythm. With head coach Todd Bowles more focused on the defensive side of the ball, this hire is going to carry real weight. Whoever steps into the OC role will have the keys to the offense, full stop.
But Tampa Bay isn’t the only team knocking on McDaniel’s door.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Chargers are also in the mix and have scheduled an interview with McDaniel for early next week. And when you look at what the Chargers have to offer, it’s easy to see why McDaniel would be intrigued. Justin Herbert is already one of the league’s top quarterbacks, and LA has a solid core of skill-position talent to build around.
That said, Tampa Bay’s situation isn’t exactly lacking. If Mike Evans returns, the Bucs arguably have the better group of weapons.
Add in a stronger offensive line - a critical factor for any play-caller - and the Bucs make a compelling case. The question is: which quarterback does McDaniel believe gives him the best chance to succeed - Herbert or Baker Mayfield?
McDaniel is expected to take his time with this decision, and for good reason. Multiple teams - including playoff-caliber organizations - are vying for his services, and he has to weigh not just the rosters, but also the organizational stability, coaching staffs, and long-term fit.
While some head coaching opportunities may still be on the table, it appears McDaniel is leaning toward returning to an offensive coordinator role - a chance to recalibrate and remind the league of what he does best: build dynamic, efficient offenses that keep defenses guessing.
For Buccaneers fans, the hope is that Tampa Bay offers the right mix of talent, opportunity, and autonomy to land McDaniel. But with the Chargers and others in the hunt, this one could come down to the wire.