The Detroit Lions may be lining up an interview with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel for their offensive coordinator opening, but all signs point to that meeting being more of a formality than a realistic landing spot.
According to a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero, McDaniel is scheduled to interview this week for multiple head coaching vacancies, including the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens. On top of that, he is also set to interview for Detroit’s OC job.
That’s a strong indicator of just how hot McDaniel’s name is on the coaching market.
While the Lions would love to add one of the league’s most creative offensive minds to their staff, the reality is simple: if McDaniel is offered a head coaching job, he’s almost certainly taking it. Going from a former NFL head coach back to a coordinator role only makes sense if the HC market dries up, and right now, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
McDaniel’s offensive reputation, innovative scheme, and recent success make him a prime candidate to land another top job quickly. With four teams reportedly considering him for head coach and several more likely monitoring the situation, Detroit would be competing against far more than just another coordinator opening.
In other words, yes, the Lions may get their interview. But the odds of actually landing McDaniel as their next offensive coordinator are slim. If one of those head coaching opportunities turns into an offer, it would be hard to imagine him passing it up to take a step down the ladder in Detroit.
One Response
Are we sure he isn’t just satisfying the Rooney Rule with all those teams interviewing him? He is technically Black.