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The Dolphins could lose one of their top assistants, Max McCaffrey, to Mike McDaniel and the Chargers
The Miami Dolphins are starting from scratch this offseason. After firing both general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins made it clear that they are entering a rebuild phase. Add in the fact that it appears unlikely Tua Tagovailoa will be the team’s starting quarterback in 2026, and Miami could look almost unrecognizable when it returns to action in September.
Even though the Dolphins struggled in 2025, their decision to fire McDaniel was viewed as a surprise across the league. It didn’t take McDaniel long to land on his feet, as he was quickly scooped up by the Los Angeles Chargers to be their new offensive coordinator. And according to reports, it sounds like he may be bringing one of his top offensive assistants from Miami, Max McCaffrey, with him to Los Angeles.
Mike McDaniel Predicted to Add Max McCaffrey to Chargers’ Staff
It’s considered a strong possibility the #Chargers hire #Dolphins offensive assistant Max McCaffrey, potentially as running backs coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
Is a former NFL receiver and the older brother of 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey and Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey. Has
While McDaniel’s stint with the Dolphins didn’t come to a great end, for a point in time, he turned their offense into one of the top units in the league. With a slew of speedy playmakers around Tagovailoa, Miami’s offense took the NFL by storm, but it didn’t last, as the former first-round pick’s struggles under center led to everything falling apart.
Getting fired by Miami isn’t a great look for McDaniel, but folks across the league still recognize him as one of the top offensive minds in the league. After Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh fired his previous offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, he made a hard pitch to McDaniel, and he managed to beat out several other interested teams by landing him as his new OC.
McDaniel will look to revamp Los Angeles’ inconsistent offense, and in order to do so, it will be important for him to have a solid staff around him. According to recent reports, it sounds like there’s a decent chance that he will bring McCaffrey, who is the older brother of NFL players Christian and Luke McCaffrey, with him to the Chargers to be his running backs coach.
“It’s considered a strong possibility the Chargers hire Dolphins offensive assistant Max McCaffrey, potentially as running backs coach, sources tell CBS Sports,” Matt Zenitz reported in a post on X. Is a former NFL receiver and the older brother of 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey and Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey. Has worked for Miami the last three seasons.”
Dolphins Coaching Staff Continues to Undergo Work
GettyMIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 22: Miami Dolphins General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan speaks as Jeff Hafley is introduced during a press conference at Baptist Health Training Complex on January 22, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Losing McCaffrey would be a bit of a blow for Miami, but with new head coach Jeff Hafley continuing to fill out his staff, there’s a decent shot he would not have returned to the team in 2026 anyways. Things are still being pieced together for Hafley, but he may have to begin looking for a replacement for McCaffrey if he does end up joining McDaniel’s staff.
The Dolphins have been aggressive when it comes to building out their coaching staff so far this offseason, but once that group is finalized, the attention will quickly shift to the roster. With a decision on Tagovailoa headlining the team’s to-do list, there will rarely be a quiet moment in Miami this offseason. If the team pushes the right buttons, though, it could get its rebuild off to a strong start.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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