The Miami Dolphins, of course, recently fired head coach Mike McDaniel. While he will have plenty of options this offseason, he could be a great offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Las Vegas fired head coach Pete Carroll following a disastrous 3-14 campaign. The team could replace him with a defensive-minded head coach, such as Vance Joseph, Robert Saleh, or Brian Flores. If that’s the case, the Raiders would then need a creative offensive mind, making Mike McDaniel the perfect candidate for offensive coordinator.
Mike McDaniel Would Make a Perfect Raiders Offensive Coordinator
Looking Back at His Career
Mike McDaniel served roles with several different teams before becoming the Dolphins’ head coach. He had stints with the Denver Broncos (coaching intern), Houston Texans (offensive assistant), and the UFL’s California Redwoods / Sacramento Mountain Lions (running backs coach).
McDaniel also spent time with the Washington Commanders (offensive assistant and wide receivers coach), Cleveland Browns (wide receivers coach), and Atlanta Falcons (offensive assistant).
In addition, McDaniel served as the San Francisco 49ers’ run game coordinator before being promoted to the team’s offensive coordinator. During his lone season as the offensive coordinator, the 49ers had the NFL’s seventh-best offense in terms of yards per game and produced an All-Pro in wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
The Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel as head coach in 2022. In his four seasons in South Beach, he posted a 35-33 record and made the playoffs twice. Miami did not win a postseason game, though. The team finished 7-10 this past season.
Why McDaniel Makes Sense
2025 was a horrible season for the Raiders, as they finished with the league’s worst record. However, the team might have a ridiculously-bright future.
The Raiders landed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They’re expected to take Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the pick. The Miami native has played like a superstar this season. He won the Heisman Trophy and has led the No. 1 Hoosiers to a 15-0 record.
Indiana dismantled No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal. Mendoza had an eye-popping five touchdowns in that contest. The Hoosiers will now take on the Miami Hurricanes in the national championship game.
As an offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel would be an ideal fit for the Raiders. Pairing a rookie quarterback (if they draft Mendoza) with a bright offensive innovator is critical for the development of a young football player.
The Raiders also possess young talented offensive pieces like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty. In 2024, Bowers set significant records, including the most receptions by a rookie in NFL history and the most receiving yards by a rookie tight end. Bowers, though, had an injury-riddled 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Jeanty is coming off a solid rookie year, rushing for 975 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 55 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns.
An brilliant offensive play-caller, Mike McDaniel could certainly help mold Mendoza, Bowers, and Jeanty into a dangerous trio that would transform the Raiders into a future title contender.
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