Mike McDaniel
Also known as: McDaniel
Offensive Coordinator
Known For
Creating revolutionary pre-snap motion schemes and condensed formations that influenced offensive play-calling across the NFL.
About
McDaniel transformed the Dolphins' offensive identity from 2022 to 2025 with high-tempo, motion-heavy schemes that ranked among the league's most creative, producing top-six offensive rankings in his first two seasons while developing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. His approach drew praise from peers across the league—Sean McDermott called his Miami offense 'revolutionary,' while Kyle Shanahan acknowledged borrowing his pre-snap motion concepts—establishing McDaniel as one of football's most inventive tactical minds. After the Dolphins declined in scoring efficiency the past two seasons, the organization parted ways in early January 2026, prompting McDaniel to interview for multiple head coaching vacancies before joining Jim Harbaugh's Chargers. In Los Angeles, he inherits a roster with young talent and has been tasked with developing quarterback Justin Herbert's first playoff victory following three postseason losses. McDaniel's elevation to offensive coordinator signals the Chargers' commitment to a modernized offensive system grounded in the same Shanahan-family principles that defined his Denver and San Francisco apprenticeships.
