Biggest Obstacle To Luring Mike McDaniel To Tampa Just Popped Up
January 20th, 2026
Ripple effect in Tampa?
In the past week or so as it seemed the Bucs and former Dolphins shot-caller Mike McDaniel had mutual interest in the Bucs’ opening at offensive coordinator, rumors floated through social media from legitimate NFL sources.
It seemed, per the rumors, that McDaniel might wait for a while to make a decision on what job he would take of the many he had interviewed for.
The rumor suggested that McDaniel was waiting to see what would happen with Mr. Clean in San Francisco, the former Jets coach and successor of Todd Bowles’ in New Jersey.
Apparently, McDaniel and Mr. Clean are tight and it almost sounded like a Dirk Koetter-Mike Smith handshake deal.
Well, late last night, as if to give Curt Cignetti and Indiana the finger, word broke that Mr. Clean is expected to be the next coach of the Titans.
This is bad news for Bucs fans. Who knows what job security McDaniel will have with the Bucs, if any. And who knows if Baker Mayfield will be around in 2027. Or Chris Godwin. Or Mike Evans.
In Nashville, McDaniel will work with rookie star quarterback Cam Ward. In the NFL, it’s always about the quarterback.
And you have to figure McDaniel will have at least two years, minimum in Nashville. If things go sideways with the Bucs this fall, is Bowles still the Bucs’ coach in a year from now?
So cross your fingers Bucs fans that McDaniel grew to love Florida from working in Miami. So much so he doesn’t want to leave the Sunshine State.