Mike McDaniel’s unexpected exit in Miami has again reshaped the NFL’s coaching landscape, with one NFC team quickly emerging as a logical next stop if the former Dolphins head coach pivots back to a coordinator role.
Washington Connection Makes Mike McDaniel a Logical OC Target
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky added fuel to that conversation, posting on X that the Washington Commanders should pursue McDaniel as their next offensive coordinator. Given Washington’s open position and McDaniel’s history with the organization, it makes sense.
The @Commanders should hire McDaniel as OC
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 8, 2026
The Dolphins fired McDaniel on Thursday after four seasons as head coach. His tenure included a breakthrough 11-6 season in 2023, Miami’s first 11-win campaign since 2008, but the Dolphins struggled over the past two years, finishing 15-19 and opening the 2025 season with a 1-6 record. A late four-game winning streak was not enough to save his job.
Washington’s interest would make sense on multiple levels. The Commanders recently parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that while McDaniel is expected to draw head-coaching interest, he would be one of the most sought-after offensive coordinator candidates if he does not land a top job. Washington, Schultz noted, stands out as a firm fit.
McDaniel’s ties to the franchise run deep. He spent three seasons on Washington’s staff from 2011 to 2013 as an offensive assistant and wide receivers coach, working during the Robert Griffin III era. That group helped Washington reach the postseason in 2012, when Griffin won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and led the franchise to its first playoff appearance since 2007.
Mike McDaniel is likely to get head-coaching interviews this cycle, but if he doesn’t get a HC job, he’d be a very hot OC candidate.
One logical destination would be Washington: McDaniel is extremely close with Dan Quinn, has great admiration for him and what he’s done for his… pic.twitter.com/BO5JZ5fGla
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 8, 2026
There are also significant personal and professional connections between McDaniel and Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. McDaniel worked under Quinn in Atlanta from 2015 to 16 and has publicly credited Quinn with playing a pivotal role in his career and personal life. McDaniel has said Quinn supported him during a critical period off the field and allowed him to continue coaching when his future was uncertain.
In McDaniel’s potential return to Washington, he would be tasked with helping guide quarterback Jayden Daniels after a disappointing 2025 season. Daniels’s rookie breakout in 2024 mirrored aspects of Griffin’s early success, making McDaniel’s background particularly relevant as the Commanders look to stabilize and retool their offense.
Washington regressed this season and needs a dynamic offensive mind to revamp its offense. McDaniel could do just that for a Commanders offense that ranked 11th in PFSN’s OFFi this season, down five spots from its 2024 finish.
