In the end, it’s not the Miami Dolphins who land a Harbaugh, but former coach Mike McDaniel who lands with one.

And we’ll now get to see the alternate universe where McDaniel coaches quarterback Justin Herbert, who was selected immediately behind the Dolphins’ pick of Tua Tagovailoa in the 2020 draft, before McDaniel arrived in Miami in 2022.

McDaniel is reportedly expected to be hired by the Los Angeles Chargers as offensive coordinator, according to multiple national reports.

The move unites McDaniel with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. Meanwhile, his brother, John Harbaugh, was one of the most highly coveted coaches of this hiring cycle. As John was fired from his longtime post with the Baltimore Ravens, he ended up with the New York Giants.

The Dolphins are set to host the Chargers in 2026, so McDaniel will return to Hard Rock Stadium next season on a date to be revealed in May.

McDaniel was fired from Miami after four seasons at the helm for the Dolphins and a 35-35 record, including 0-2 in the playoffs. Failing to win a playoff game with promising rosters in 2022 and 2023, he had back-to-back losing seasons in 2024 and 2025.

He is still considered one of the most creative and innovative offensive minds in the league, and his insertion into the Chargers’ coaching staff should pay immediate dividends for Herbert, running back Omarion Hampton and possibly some improved offensive line development.

McDaniel goes back to the state of California. He was San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator before he was hired by Miami in 2022. His wife is also from California.

McDaniel had interviewed with the Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders for head coaching vacancies while also interviewing for offensive coordinator positions with the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Dolphins fired McDaniel Jan. 8. The next day, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan was hired from his role as Green Bay Packers vice president of player personnel. Sullivan has since hired Jeff Hafley, former Packers defensive coordinator, to be his head coach.