Mike McDaniel shocks NFL teams, joins Jim Harbaugh, Chargers

Mike McDaniel has revealed which NFL team he’ll be joining next season and it’s come as quite a surprise to many others around the league.

The former Miami Dolphins head coach isn’t stepping back into a lead role though despite several teams having significant interest in the promising offensive mind.

According to ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington, Mike McDaniel is expected to join the Los Angeles Chargers’ staff. The 42 year old will become the AFC team’s offensive coordinator “barring a change of heart.”

Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel is expected to become the Chargers offensive coordinator barring a change of heart, per @JeffDarlington and me. McDaniel has informed other teams that they’re out, the Chargers clearly want him, and the two sides are having dinner tonight. But the… pic.twitter.com/N7onkCadlK

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 21, 2026

However, this could come as a surprise to many NFL teams as the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders still have McDaniel in mind for their head coaching roles.

Mike McDaniel was also expected to interview for other offensive coordinator jobs with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those roles are also very high-profile with the Eagles a season removed from the Super Bowl

But the Chargers will certainly benefit from McDaniels’ offensive prowess and gets to work with Justin Herbert. LA has significant talent on the offensive side of the ball beyond Herbert like Ladd McConkey, Omarion Hampton and Quintin Johnston.

Los Angeles crashed out of the NFL Playoff this season after a thorough loss to the New England Patriots.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

NFL DRAFT: Las Vegas Raiders owner gets close look at Fernando Mendoza during CFP title game

NFL: Buffalo Bills defender shares NSFW reaction to Sean McDermott firing

NBA: Jimmy Butler injury update delivers tough news for Warriors

MLB: 2026 MLB payrolls revealed: Top 10 highest-spending teams

ENTERTAINMENT:New Sphere venue heading to East Coast in major US expansion

VIRAL:Fernando Mendoza sings Queen classic with Indiana teammates at Miami club