After being fired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, it seemed as though Mike McDaniel had found his next job as the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers, but that might not be the case.
*Prediction*
Rather than taking an offensive coordinator role, Mike McDaniel instead could be taking a head coaching job, and that job is with the Las Vegas Raiders.
More NFL Content From TWSN
Packers Hire Raheem Morris to Replace Jeff Hafley
Cleveland Browns Trade Myles Garrett to the Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Cowboys to Hire Jonathan Gannon as Next Defensive Coordinator
Mike McDaniel Leaving Chargers to Become Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach
The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2026 coaching cycle after they had fired Pete Carroll as the head coach following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season. They have a big change they are going to be making when it comes to their quarterback spot, which is what will make an offensive-minded head coach more attractive to them.
Yet, they had their main focus on Jesse Minter, the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. That didn’t work out, as Minter instead took the job as the Baltimore Ravens’ head coach. This leaves the Raiders in a spot now where they must pivot, and the ideal candidate they can turn to is Mike McDaniel.
McDaniel is widely regarded as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. His previous experience as an offensive coordinator in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan has earned him considerable respect. His tenure with the Dolphins saw them have a 35-33 record and two playoff appearances over four seasons.
The team’s focus on offensive-minded coaches suggests a potential strategy to build around a young quarterback, possibly Fernando Mendoza, should they draft him. The Raiders’ general manager, John Spytek, is actively involved in this extensive search, and he will want an innovative offensive mind to lead the charge.
Mike McDaniel would thrive as the offensive coordinator in Los Angeles, but to get the chance to be a head coach again this soon would be something he wouldn’t be able to pass up. His offensive scheme would be friendly for whoever the new quarterback is that the Raiders have under center, and he would bring a new culture spark that they have been missing as well.
It would take burning bridges in Los Angeles after already being set to be their next offensive coordinator, but with the Raiders still pursuing Mike McDaniel, and if they truly give him the chance to be the next head coach, it will be an easy switch for McDaniel to make.