The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator search has zero shortage of intrigue, and at the center of it all is former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. The offensive guru has already interviewed with Detroit for its OC opening and is also scheduled to meet with the Browns, Falcons, Titans, Ravens, and Buccaneers for head coaching or coordinator roles.
On paper, that sounds like bad news for the Lions. When a coach is drawing that much interest for head coaching jobs, it usually means coordinator roles are a fallback, not a destination.
But the latest intel suggests that assumption may be wrong.
The Quote That Changes Everything
FOX Sports NFC South reporter Greg Auman dropped a nugget that could dramatically shift how this search is viewed:
“He would consider a great OC opportunity better than a not-great head coaching vacancy.”
Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel will interview for the Bucs’ OC job Friday. He would consider a great OC opportunity better than a not-great head coaching vacancy.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 14, 2026
That’s a massive development for Detroit.
Why Detroit Is a “Great OC Opportunity”
If McDaniel truly values the quality of the situation, the Lions suddenly become one of the most attractive landing spots in football:
Quarterback: Jared Goff, coming off another strong seasonSkill Talent: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and a deep receiving groupOffensive Line: One of the NFL’s most physical, well-coached unitsCulture: Dan Campbell’s player-driven, accountability-based locker roomExpectations: A team built to win now, not rebuild
This isn’t a fixer-upper. It’s a plug-and-play offense with championship upside.
Head Coach Jobs Aren’t All Created Equal
There are currently nine head coaching openings across the league. Some come with stable ownership, a franchise quarterback, and playoff expectations. Others come with uncertainty, roster turnover, and long rebuilds.
If McDaniel is choosing between:
A shaky head coaching job with a questionable quarterbackOr calling plays for one of the most complete offenses in the NFL
…it suddenly makes sense why a premium OC role could be more appealing.
Why This Is Encouraging for Lions Fans
If McDaniel is truly open to betting on the right environment instead of just the right title, Detroit checks nearly every box.
Nothing is guaranteed. McDaniel will weigh offers, interview impressions, and long-term career paths. But for the first time, it feels realistic that the Lions could land the most sought-after offensive mind on the market, not because they’re desperate, but because they’re a destination.