The Los Angeles Chargers have hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their next offensive coordinator, the team announced Monday.
The news comes after ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington reported the two sides were expected to reach an agreement “barring a change of heart.”
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini added more information confirming the move at the time.
The Dolphins parted ways with McDaniel after four seasons. McDaniel led Miami to a 35–33 record and a pair of playoff appearances.
Now he joins head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has led the Chargers to a pair of 11-win seasons in each of his two seasons in town. However, L.A.’s season has ended with disappointing Wild Card round losses each time.
After the 2025 season, which ended with a 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots, the Bolts parted ways with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who was Harbaugh’s OC in 2024 and 2025. L.A. finished 11th in scoring in 2024 before dropping to 20th in 2025.
McDaniel was a very popular name during this coaching cycle, per Russini. He spoke with the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns about their head coaching gigs but removed his name from consideration for Cleveland’s opening.
The Ravens and Raiders jobs are still open, and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that he’s still a candidate for both roles.
As it stands, though, McDaniel has reportedly agreed to be the Chargers’ OC.
Los Angeles has plenty of talent for McDaniel to work with, led by quarterback Justin Herbert, a two-time Pro Bowler. He’ll also have some impressive skill-position players, including running back Omarion Hampton, wide receiver Ladd McConkey and tight end Oronde Gadsden. In addition, the Chargers will return stalwart offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt from injury.
McDaniel oversaw some impressive Dolphins offenses in the first half of his tenure, particularly in 2023, when Miami finished second in scoring and yards per play. Injuries (particularly to Tua Tagovailoa in 2024 and Tyreek Hill in 2024 and 2025) played a big role in the team’s offensive struggles in the back half of his four-year tenure.
Overall, though, this looks to be a big win for the Chargers as they hope to make a deep playoff run.
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