DETROIT – Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is set to interview with the Detroit Lions for their offensive coordinator position.
According to National Insider for NFL Network and NFL.com, Ian Rapoport, the interview is set for Tuesday (Jan. 13).
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Mike McDaniel will interview for the #Lions OC job tomorrow, a potentially big fish for Dan Campbell. https://t.co/I6od059k0e
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2026
McDaniel led the Dolphins to a 35-33 record over four seasons, making the playoffs twice but falling in the first round both times.
Miami missed the postseason in 2024, extending its playoff-win drought to 25 years.
The Lions fired John Morton last week, one season after replacing Ben Johnson, who left to become the Chicago Bears’ head coach.
Detroit needs an offensive wizard like McDaniel to get its high-powered offense back on track, as it, too, missed the playoffs this season after finishing as the No. 1 seed in the National Football Conference in 2024.
McDaniel was a disciple under San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, as they both led the 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons to Super Bowl appearances.
With the Falcons, McDaniel was an offensive assistant during Super Bowl LI, leading them to a 28-3 lead against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
In 2020, McDaniel was the offensive coordinator for the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV against Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
McDaniel is said to have a brilliant mind that could unlock the potential of Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.