The identity of the Cleveland Browns will be inextricably linked to defense as long as new single-season sacks leader Myles Garrett dominates the line of scrimmage. However, it is painfully obvious that an overhaul on offense is immediately needed. Perhaps the organization views Mike McDaniel as the man to enact such change. The recently-fired Miami Dolphins head coach is expected to interview for Cleveland's vacancy, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
McDaniel is a vaunted offensive mind who temporarily transformed Tua Tagovailoa into an NFL passing yards and passer rating leader. Although his tenure in Miami ended in intense scrutiny, the 42-year-old clearly still inspires respect around the league. He has already secured a HC interview with the Tennessee Titans and will be among the most coveted offensive coordinator options if he does not land the top job this offseason.
The Browns will either stick with quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel for next season or select another QB in the NFL Draft, so either way, they will likely value a candidate who has helped develop a signal-caller in the past. McDaniel undeniably had a positive effect on Tagovailoa during his first few years with the Dolphins. Under his guidance, the former national champion became a more accurate and impactful NFL quarterback.
Miami clinched the playoffs in consecutive campaigns (2022-23, 2023-24) for the first time in more than 20 years. Ironically, much like Kevin Stefanski, Mike McDaniel guided a franchise to heights it had rarely seen of late. But also like Stefanski, McDaniel struggled to rack up wins with limited weapons and shaky QB play. Who is to say he can come in and implement meaningful change with Cleveland's presently feeble offense?
There are also questions about his leadership after reports of player tardiness during the 2024-25 campaign. He is undeniably qualified to instruct and devise an offense, but the Browns desperately require a strong presence who can install a new culture.
When a franchise fires a two-time Coach of the Year like Stefanski, the expectation is that it will replace him with a reputable culture-changer or innovative play-caller. While McDaniel flashed those attributes to varying degrees in Miami, it is unclear if he would be an upgrade.
There is no reason to jump ahead, though. First, he has to make his pitch to Browns brass.
