Mike McDaniel Steps Away From Cleveland Opportunity
After being dismissed as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Mike McDaniel quickly became one of the most sought-after offensive minds on the coaching market. Known for his creativity and quarterback-friendly systems, McDaniel drew immediate interest across the league for both head coaching and offensive coordinator vacancies.
Multiple Interviews Across the League
Since his departure from Miami, McDaniel has been busy on the interview circuit. He has reportedly met with the Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens regarding their head coaching openings. In addition, he has interviewed for offensive coordinator roles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Detroit Lions.
However, one opportunity is now officially off the table. Ahead of a scheduled second interview with Cleveland, McDaniel has removed himself from consideration for the Browns’ head coaching job.
McDaniel Withdraws From Browns Search
According to a report from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, McDaniel informed the Browns on Tuesday that he was withdrawing from their search. The second interview, which was scheduled to take place in person on Wednesday, was expected to be a significant step in the hiring process.
Pelissero also noted that McDaniel is believed to have multiple offers on the table for offensive coordinator positions, giving him flexibility as he evaluates his next move.
Why Other Jobs Look More Appealing
From a head coaching perspective, the situations in Baltimore and Las Vegas appear far more attractive. In Baltimore, McDaniel would inherit a stable, competitive roster led by two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson. The Ravens are a perennial playoff contender and one of the league’s most consistent franchises.
Las Vegas presents a different kind of appeal. While the Raiders still have significant work to do to return to relevance, they currently hold the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. That selection is widely expected to be used on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who capped off a standout season with a national championship victory over Miami on Monday night.
Cleveland’s Complicated Quarterback Picture
By comparison, Cleveland faces a far murkier outlook under center. The Browns are slated to pick sixth in the draft and must sort through an uncertain quarterback situation involving Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel. On top of that, the franchise has considerable salary-cap challenges to address as it works toward compliance for the 2026 season.
For a coach whose offensive philosophy thrives on quarterback stability, the Browns’ situation likely made the decision easier.
Alternative Paths Forward
Even if McDaniel does not land another head coaching position this cycle, his options remain strong. Taking an offensive coordinator role with the Chargers or Lions would allow him to work with established quarterbacks such as Justin Herbert or Jared Goff, potentially resetting his résumé before re-entering the head coaching market in a year or two.
Given the range of opportunities available and the relative instability in Cleveland, McDaniel’s choice to step away from the Browns’ search is understandable.
