Mike McDaniel has become one of the top head-coaching candidates on the market after he was fired by the Miami Dolphins on Thursday.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that McDaniel will interview for the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens head coaching jobs this week. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that McDaniel’s interview will take place on Monday.
“McDaniel also is scheduled to interview for the Lions OC job. One of the NFL’s top offensive minds is in high demand,” Pelissero added.
McDaniel’s interview with the Lions will take place on Tuesday, per Rapoport.
As for the Browns, they’re searching for a new head coach after firing Kevin Stefanski on Jan. 5.
Cleveland wrapped up a 5-12 finish during its 2025 campaign, marking the team’s second consecutive year with at least 12 losses.
The Browns struggled in spite of their impressive defense, ranking No. 4 among all teams by allowing just 283.6 yards per game.
Their defensive line was especially disruptive, with Myles Garrett leading the way by setting a new single-season record of 23 sacks.
Given the Browns’ established defensive prowess, it’s understandable that they’re reportedly targeting an offensive-minded head coach such as McDaniel.
Cleveland started three different quarterbacks in 2025, with all three signal-callers completing below 60 percent of their passes.
Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders threw for a mere 2,807 yards and 16 touchdowns while getting picked off 18 times combined. Even though rookies such as running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. showed promise, the Browns only averaged 16.4 points per game in 2025.
The Dolphins went 7-10 in McDaniel’s final season, but they experienced plenty of offensive success early in his tenure with the team.
Miami ranked No. 6 and No. 1 in total yards per game in 2022 and 2023, respectively.