The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel a few days after the regular-season finale, opting for a clean-house approach with both a new general manager and head coach. While McDaniel is out of a job for now, he’s already one of the most in-demand names in the NFL coaching carousel right now for vacancies at both offensive coordinator and head coach.
Let’s dive into our rankings of the top landing spots for McDaniels.
1. Baltimore Ravens
It is rare for an NFL head coach to be fired and immediately walk into a better situation with his next team. That is exactly the position Mike McDaniel would be in if he becomes the next Baltimore Ravens’ coach. He would go from the limitations of orchestrating an offense quarterbacked by Tua Tagovailoa to building one around two-time NFL MVP and future Hall of Famer Lamar Jackson. It could allow him to return to the passing game efficiency that Miami saw in 2023, when it averaged 8.3 yards per attempt (second in the NFL), while utilizing a dual-threat quarterback who could further unlock his rushing scheme led by Derrick Henry.
Additionally, McDaniel could bring Dolphins’ defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver Jr. with him. It would be a return to Baltimore for Weaver, who was passed over for Zach Orr when the Ravens needed to replace Mike Macdonald. As the Ravens’ head coach, McDaniel would have a shot at competing for the Lombardi Trophy over the next two or more years. This would be an A-grade hire for Baltimore and a perfect pairing for both.
Related: Ranking Best John Harbaugh Landing Spots
2. New York Giants
Similar to the situation with Baltimore, this would be an upgrade for Mike McDaniel. While rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart showed some limitations as a passer in 2025, some of that can be chalked up to a receiving corps that didn’t have Malik Nabers. The standout wide receiver will be back next fall and McDaniel could make him a focal point of the offense like he first did with Tyreek Hill and then Jaylen Waddle.
Coaching Dart would also mean that McDaniel is given time to develop the young quarterback and build this offense in the direction he wants, likely at least three-plus seasons. Plus, it wouldn’t be hard to find coaches interested in being New York’s defensive coordinator given the top end pass-rushing talent. What puts New York a tier below Baltimore, besides the obvious quarterback difference, is the fact that McDaniel might have to work with Giants general manager Joe Schoen instead of getting to work with one of the best front offices in the NFL. Granted, either option is better than what he had in Miami.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Las Vegas Raiders were an option here because of the young core of Fernando Mendoza, Brock Bowers, and Ashton Jeanty. However, the coaching instability there and the level of control Tom Brady has over the organization are disqualifying. Instead, Mike McDaniel could take over the Atlanta Falcons and get a fresh start with a new general manager and a better working relationship with team president Matt Ryan in his first year at the helm.
Additionally, McDaniel would inherit an offense that could remain centered around Bijan Robinson. From Weeks 10 through 18 this past season, McDaniel designed a rushing attack in Miami that averaged 146.1 rushing yards per game with a 5.0 yards-per-carry average, ranking fifth in rushing success rate (44 percent). Robinson is arguably even better than De’Von Achane, and both are outstanding all-purpose weapons. There is also Drake London, and McDaniel could convince the team to bring back Kyle Pitts, as the coach has been excellent at maximizing athletic tight ends in recent years. Furthermore, with an improving defense under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, McDaniel could immediately win the NFC South in his first season as the Falcons’ coach. Of course, Atlanta is third on this list because of its current and long-term quarterback uncertainty.
4. Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator
If the top three head-coaching jobs do not appeal enough to Mike McDaniel, or if John Harbaugh winds up in New York and Baltimore hires a defensive-minded head coach, there is an appealing fallback plan. The Philadelphia Eagles would almost certainly be willing to make McDaniel the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL next season. He could replace Kevin Patullo and take over an Eagles’ offense that will still features Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and a healthy offensive line heading into the fall.
Just look at what Kellen Moore did in 2024, and it is easy to see a path where McDaniel can be just as successful. As long as the Eagles’ offense improves under his direction and the team goes further in the NFL playoffs, he will be the most coveted coaching candidate in 2027. Then, he could pick from all the top jobs and potentially even have the chance to pair himself with a prospect like Arch Manning.
