In a surprising yet conceivable development, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel following a solid, albeit inconsistent, four-year tenure. Unceremonious exit aside, he suddenly becomes one of the hottest names of the 2026 hiring cycle, one that the Green Bay Packers should monitor closely.
Green Bay doesn't necessarily need McDaniel's services on its staff for next season, though that could change quickly depending on how the playoffs go. However, another team in the NFC North would greatly benefit from adding him: the Detroit Lions.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Lions have "reached out" to McDaniel about their vacant offensive coordinator position.
Lions capitalizing on Dolphins' surprising Mike McDaniel firing is nightmare fuel for Packers fans
McDaniel profiles as a strong replacement for the Lions' offensive coordinator vacancy created by John Morton's dismissal. As great as that sounds to people in Detroit, it's equally as horrifying for Packers fans everywhere.
Known for his quick-hitting scheme that emphasizes getting his playmakers in space, the Lions present McDaniel a scoring unit littered with talent. He gives opposing defenses a heavy dose of eye candy, illustrated by the Dolphins pacing the NFL in pre-snap motion rate in 2025 (67.5 percent). That's something Detroit didn't do enough of in Morton's second stint with the franchise (52.2 percent).
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We've seen a McDaniel-led attack not only support two running backs but also elevate them. De'Von Achane and ex-Dolphin Raheem Mostert combined for 2,184 scrimmage yards and 32 touchdowns for a squad that finished second in scoring in 2023. The production wasn't just volume-based; they each averaged over five yards per touch, and Miami led the league in yards per attempt.
If McDaniel can flourish with Mostert and Achane, imagine the upside with Detroit's "Sonic and Knuckles" duo, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Or better yet, Packers faithful, don't put that thought in your head and hope another club hires the now-former Dolphins sideline general.
Moreover, Dolphins star wide receiver Tyreek Hill posted consecutive 1,700-plus yard receiving campaigns under McDaniel's guidance. Jaylen Waddle, their No. 2 option, posted 147 receptions for 2,370 yards and 12 touchdowns during this stretch. Detroit has a dynamic pass-catching duo of its own in Amon-Ra. St. Brown and Jameson Williams; why wouldn't they be able to do similar damage?
Fortunately for the Packers, the Lions aren't the only ones that may have their sights on McDaniel, who turns 43 in March. His pedigree and age make him an appealing candidate. Whether he wants to settle for a play-calling gig or get back in the head-coaching saddle also remains unclear, which is another hurdle for Detroit.