Report: Mike McDaniel interviewing for Bills head coaching job after reportedly taking Chargers OC role

Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel remains firmly in the NFL’s coaching carousel. That is despite the fact that he has already agreed to another job.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Buffalo Bills are interviewing McDaniel for their head coaching vacancy on Tuesday. The interview comes just days after reports indicated McDaniel is expected to become the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, as long as a head coaching opportunity does not materialize.

Russini reported that while McDaniel continues to pursue head coaching jobs, the Chargers’ role remains his fallback option. Earlier this week, ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington reported that McDaniel was expected to take over as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, with Schefter noting that McDaniel had informed other teams they were “out” of consideration. The two sides were also reported to be having dinner as talks progressed.

McDaniel, 42, was widely viewed as one of the most coveted coaches available this offseason due to his offensive prowess. That status mirrors the momentum he carried when Miami hired him, a move that paid immediate dividends. 

Under McDaniel, the Dolphins reached the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, with McDaniel going 20–14 in the regular season while working closely with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Miami, however, was eliminated in the AFC Wild Card Round both years.

However, the trajectory shifted soon after. Miami slipped to 8–9 in 2024 and followed that with a 7–10 finish this past season. During the downturn, Tagovailoa was benched, opening the door for Quinn Ewers to see action late in the year. The Dolphins ultimately opted for a reset, hiring Jeff Hafley to replace McDaniel after his stint as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator.

More on Mike McDaniel, head coaching opportunities

Meanwhile, McDaniel has also trimmed his list of potential destinations. According to Tom Pelissero, McDaniel withdrew from consideration for the Cleveland Browns head coaching job ahead of a scheduled in-person interview, signaling a narrowed focus on select opportunities. Pelissero added that McDaniel remains a candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders opening, as well.

As the Bills evaluate their next move, McDaniel’s situation underscores a fluid coaching market, one where a return to coordinating duties in Los Angeles could be temporary if the right head coaching door opens.

Whether it’s the Bills, the Raiders, or somewhere else, it seems as if McDaniel will get another head coaching gig after Miami. It could be this offseason or next. The timing is all that remains to be seen, it seems. 

— On3’s Thomas Goldkamp contributed to this article.