Mike McDaniel lost his job with the Miami Dolphins for the same reason Pete Carroll lost his with the Las Vegas Raiders: a lack of results. Team success is the ultimate measure for head coaches. Still, McDaniel’s offenses produced strong numbers during his tenure, and the Raiders may believe he can unlock their potential.
The former Dolphins coach struggled over his final two seasons, but not all of it fell on coaching. Tua Tagovailoa dealt with multiple head injuries, and Tyreek Hill suffered a significant injury. When the offense was healthy, McDaniel built one of the league’s most explosive units.
McDaniel would bring immediate creativity and pace to the Raiders’ offense.
Mike McDaniel: The offensive “mastermind”
Although the 42-year-old is not currently a head coach, he remains one of football’s sharpest offensive minds. His rise accelerated in Cleveland, where he worked as a wide receivers coach under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan during Johnny Manziel’s time with the Browns.
“He was our receivers coach, but he is doing our entire run game package,” Manziel said. “How much he knows about football was crazy to see.”
McDaniel later joined the San Francisco 49ers’ staff and played a key role in the team drafting All-Pro tight end George Kittle, now widely viewed as one of the biggest steals at the position.
“I may not be here if not for Mike [McDaniel],” Kittle said. “He told me he stood on the table and pushed to pick me.”
Those endorsements underscore McDaniel’s range and his eye for talent translating to the NFL. If the Raiders are looking for a coach who can build an identity and elevate an offense, McDaniel fits the profile.
Las Vegas will have tons of competition…
Because of his résumé and offensive track record, the former Dolphins coach will be in demand. In 2023, Miami fielded the NFL’s top-scoring offense under McDaniel, and he guided the team to two playoff appearances. If the Raiders pursue him, they will be competing with teams that can offer established offensive talent and stability.
Even after his stint as a head coach, McDaniel has drawn interest for offensive coordinator roles, including from the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions. He has also been connected to multiple head-coaching openings.
For now, Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty are the Raiders’ clearest selling points to offensive-minded coaches. A new quarterback could be next, and Las Vegas is positioned near the top of the league in cap space.
The question is whether the Silver and Black can land McDaniel as a long-term answer.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images