I know a lot of people have legitimate doubts about Mike McDaniel, personality stuff, record inconsistency, all of that, and I get it. I’m not saying he’s perfect. But I think there is a real case to be made that he is one of the better offensive coaches in the league and someone worth considering for the Browns.
First, run game stuff
This is where I personally think he stands out more than almost any coach in the NFL. This season, Miami finished around the middle of the league in EPA per rush, roughly 17th at about -0.03. That is not elite on paper, and I am not trying to pretend it is. But EPA does not tell the whole story, especially when the offensive line and backfield had injuries and turnover.
What really shows his impact is how creative his run game is. Dolphins offensive lineman Andrew Brunskill said, “Mike is creating new ways to do the actual plays. People are going to steal from him because he is actually creating new things that have never been done before.” That kind of innovation is exactly what the Browns have been missing since Nick Chubb left, and it goes a long way toward explaining why Miami was able to generate big rushing plays even when the numbers looked middle of the pack. On top of that, Miami ranked in the top 10 in explosive rush rate this season, which measures how often runs go for 10 or more yards, showing that McDaniel can consistently create high-value plays.
Second, overall scheme creativity
McDaniel does not just run old concepts, he twists them in ways that force defenses to react. One of the clearest examples is his use of pre-snap motion. According to Sharp Football Analysis, Miami leads the NFL with a 67.5 percent motion rate, with the Falcons around 67.2 percent and the 49ers close behind. This is not just flashy. It forces defenders to commit early, opens up lanes for both the run and the pass, and lets the quarterback and running backs make plays in space. Other teams are copying it because it works.
Another part of McDaniel's track record that often gets overlooked is what he did with Tua Tagovailoa when both were healthy and in rhythm. In 2023, under McDaniel's offense, Tua threw for 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the league in passing yards and earning his first Pro Bowl. That Dolphins offense that year was one of the most explosive in the league, ranking near the top in total yards and posting elite efficiency with weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the outside. In 2024 he continued to be efficient, setting a career-high completion percentage above 72 percent, another sign that McDaniel's system could help his QB hit career marks. Of course, things did take a turn later due to injuries and inconsistencies, but there was a genuine peak in production and efficiency that showed what that offense could do with a healthy Tua at the helm.
Third, leadership and player relationships
McDaniel has earned high praise from players and coaches alike for how he connects and communicates. Kyle Shanahan said he was a huge part of his own development and called him one of the smartest coaches he has worked with. Dolphins offensive lineman Austin Jackson added, “He is very personable and really connects with guys. He makes it easy to trust what he is asking from us on the field.” Tyreek Hill also noted that McDaniel’s clarity and preparation kept the offense together even when injuries stacked up. Taken together, it is clear he can lead a locker room, communicate effectively, and keep players focused even in difficult circumstances.
What I see for Cleveland
* Someone who genuinely understands offense in ways more teams are trying to copy.
* A run game designer who could actually restore a physical identity for a Browns offense that needs it.
* A coach who can adapt rather than force one rigid system, which you could see with how Miami shifted things mid-season.
Browns fans should not ignore his down years, but I also do not think the guy is some meme. He has been statistically strong in core areas of offense and clearly has respect around the league.
I know this does not mean he is automatically the perfect fit, but outside of a couple of blue-chip names that may not be available for one reason or another, I do not think there are many offensive candidates out there who combine creativity, adaptability, and a proven track record the way McDaniel does.
12 comments
If he wants to be our OC…cool. I’m sick of nerds serving as the face of our franchise, especially when they haven’t won a single thing
My primary concern with hiring McDaniel (and Harbaugh, for that matter) is whether or not he learned any lessons from being fired. When a HC who was fired is immediately hired to the same position, it’s easy for them to believe that they did nothing wrong and don’t need to change. “Another team hired me immediately, so it was my previous team that bears all the blame for the circumstances that led to my firing.”
Case in point for the Browns: Eric Mangini. He wasted a golden opportunity to build a great roster through the draft by trading for a bunch of Jets players instead of picks when NYJ traded up for Sanchez. He implemented the same system that didn’t work in New York and was gone in two years.
Edit: I’m not saying the Browns absolutely shouldn’t hire him, but that is something they need to press him on.
I’m okay with him as OC. The troubling thing about him for me is that he has a reputation as a soft HC with no discipline. We already had that head coach. We need a tough coach.
Im cool if they hire him, but he has a lot of the same perceived issues people here bitched about Kevin for on “accountability” and “discipline”.
He’s also interviewing with the Ravens and Falcons. So it feels like McDaniel will probably the 3rd best candidate during this cycle.
I’m completely okay with this. He’s goofy, but smart and good offensive mind. Didn’t get to pick his QB in Miami but got the most out of Tua. Hopefully he gets the chance in Cleveland to bring in his guy.
To everyone saying OC— no chance he chooses the *Browns* as OC unless he literally has no other options.
Isn’t he just a younger more neurodivergent Kevin?
He would do wonders with Shedeur and whomever the Browns draft, if they draft, at QB. And he’ll make the offense go. Stefanski is a good offensive coach, but after seeing Flacco’s year where he led them to the playoffs, I get the impression that he’s not a good teacher.
I think McDaniel gets the same or worse results with the same roster Kevin had. They both run zone…..
I do like Mike much better from an entertainment POV. His pressers are hilarious.
He’s pretty funny.
I would be very happy with this hire. This dude made fucking tua relevant I think he could be the spark we need to get the offense functional again as we try to find a permanent solution at QB.
Betting odds have him as the most likely next HC for whatever that is worth.
McDaniel is a brilliant offensive mind. I do not know how good of a leader he is. I do know his GM was a fucking nightmare and he probably got more out of those teams than their talent suggests.
The locker room issues in Miami have me concerned but idk how much is a lack of control on his part and it just being filled with headaches beyond the control of the strongest of personalities.
McDaniel is my #1 choice (behind harbaugh), let me cook before you @ me.
Winning creates culture; not the other way around.
I love a Dan Campbell energy type guy, McDaniel is not that, but winning just makes everything click. Liam Coen started his tenure with a weird soundbite of “duvaaaaaal”, didn’t matter. They went 13-4 and the team loves him. He looks to be that dude. He doesn’t have the braveheart run through a wall for the team energy. But he wins. That’s what matters.
You don’t hire a “culture” guy and then just hope he magically fixes a 32nd best DVOA offense. You hire an offensive genius who actually *can* fix the offense, then the winning that ensues builds lasting culture.
All due respect to Jim Schwartz, but–the Ask Madden feature could call plays for this defense. We don’t need help here. We just had an all time record set by the DPoY and it got us 5 wins to show for it.
Our offense is what needs fixed. McDaniel is the most capable guy available, full stop.