Mike McDaniel’s future takes an unexpected turn as his next coaching move draws league-wide attention

As per a new, exciting report. Mike McDaniel’s next step in the NFL may be far bigger than just a coordinator role. After four seasons as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, McDaniel’s name is once again circulating among teams searching for leadership and offensive vision.

According to a report from MMQB writer Albert Breer, McDaniel is set to interview for the Buffalo Bills head coaching job following the firing of Sean McDermott. McDaniel has already worked closely with Tua Tagovailoa and was on track to take over the Los Angeles Chargers offense with Justin Herbert. Now, this new possibility could place him alongside Josh Allen, who’s one of the league’s most dynamic players. With interviews lining up, McDaniel’s future is something that fans are paying close attention to.

Why Buffalo, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas each offer a vastly different opportunity

If this move becomes a reality, it would be a dramatic shift, as unlike many coaching openings, Buffalo is not in need of a rebuilding situation. The Bills have been a consistent AFC contender since the early 2020s, and Josh Allen remains an MVP-level quarterback despite a difficult overtime playoff loss in Denver. Even in that defeat, Allen helped generate 30 points against an elite defense and remains an annual threat in the conference.

McDaniel is expected to become the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, replacing Greg Roman, but that move is not official yet. It will only proceed if his head coaching options do not materialize. Coaching Herbert was reportedly a major draw, and the Chargers' offense is loaded with young talent, including first-round running back Omarion Hampton, receivers Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris. McDaniel removed himself from Cleveland’s search earlier this week, while Detroit and Tennessee have already filled their top jobs.

He remains one of many candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders position, which presents a very different kind of upside. That role could pair him with Fernando Mendoza, the projected top pick in the 2026 draft, along with fifth overall pick Ashton Jeanty. It would also mean working alongside Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.McDaniel’s defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, is also drawing interest, including from Buffalo and Pittsburgh, which highlights how respected Miami’s former staff remains around the league. For now, McDaniel sits at the center of multiple paths. Whether it is Allen in Buffalo, Herbert in Los Angeles, or a fresh start in Las Vegas, his next decision could reshape more than one franchise.