Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has quickly become one of the most sought-after minds on the NFL coaching market this offseason. As teams line up to pursue him for offensive coordinator roles, at least one analyst believes his value has risen so high that franchises may be forced to make a much bigger move than expected just to secure him.
Mike McDaniel’s Demand Could Force Teams to Make Him a Head Coach
NBC Sports analyst Patrick Daugherty said the number of franchises chasing McDaniel could push one of them to elevate him into a head-coaching job simply to keep him away from rivals.
“So many teams are going to want Mike McDaniel as an offensive coordinator that it’s going to turn into one of those ‘the price to get him is to make him head coach,’” Daugherty wrote. “If somehow no on that front, likely coordinating the Lions or Ravens. He will want a springboard job.”
The idea is that McDaniel is no longer being viewed as just another coordinator candidate. Teams that see him as a future head coach may decide it is better to take that gamble now than watch him build momentum somewhere else.
So many teams are going to want Mike McDaniel as an offensive coordinator that it’s going to turn into one of those “the price to get him is to make him head coach.” If somehow no on that front, likely coordinating the Lions or Ravens. He will want a springboard job
— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) January 12, 2026
McDaniel’s offensive résumé has made him one of the most coveted strategists in football. According to PFSN’s OFFi, the Dolphins offense ranked 19th in 2025, 15th in 2024, and 2nd in 2023. Franchises looking to modernize their attacks are eager to tie themselves to his system. However, the more teams that join the chase, the more expensive it becomes to win.
Why Mike McDaniel Is In No Rush To Pick His Next Team
While interest continues to grow, McDaniel is not rushing into a decision. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that he is taking a patient, wide-ranging approach as he works through his options.
“When it comes to Mike McDaniel, I wouldn’t read too much into his interview schedule,” Darlington wrote. “He’s talking to 3 teams today, 1 team each of the next 3 days, and it’s possible 3 other OC jobs open up. That’s 9 potential teams. The point is, aside from a can’t-turn-it-down offer, he’d like to assess all options and then decide.”
Darlington added that teams not currently on the reported interview list should not assume they are out of the race. That patience feeds directly into Daugherty’s theory. By letting the market expand, McDaniel increases the odds that at least one team will conclude the only way to secure him is by offering him a head-coaching role.
