Mike McDaniel Removes Himself From One Team's Head Coach Running

Mike McDaniel won’t be Cleveland’s next head coach because he took himself out of the Browns’ search ahead of a scheduled in-person follow-up interview on Wednesday, making it clear he’d rather reset his career path than walk into one of the league’s messiest situations. 

McDaniel, 42, is coming off a four-year run with the Miami Dolphins that produced a 35–33 regular-season record and two playoff trips but no postseason wins.

Mike McDaniel would literally rather be an offensive coordinator for the Chargers than be the head coach of the Browns. Sad state of affairs in Brownsland these days. https://t.co/mkctybuLeB

— Roberto Shenanigans (@Rob_Shenanigans) January 21, 2026

Where will Mike McDaniel Go?

The bigger tell is where his attention appears to be going. 

Multiple reports indicate McDaniel has been in the mix for offensive coordinator roles, with the Los Angeles Chargers standing out as the best “get back to what you do best” landing spot after they moved on from Greg Roman. 

He’s also still been linked to other head coach openings, but stepping away from Cleveland before that second meeting shows he’s truly prioritizing the best football environment over the biggest title and payday.

With Mike McDaniel withdrawing his name, the Browns now have to schedule another interview with a minority coach just to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

Needless to say, that coach will obviously know why they’re suddenly being called in the middle of the second round of interviews.… pic.twitter.com/mtcd31tuQf

— The Dawgs - A Cleveland Browns Podcast (@thedawgspodcast) January 20, 2026

Embarassing Situation for the Browns

For the Browns, McDaniel’s exit tightens the field and adds a little embarrassment to a process that already had pressure on it. 

Cleveland has been circling back with candidates like defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase as they try to replace Kevin Stefanski. 

And because many early interviews were remote, losing an in-person meeting also complicates the mechanics of satisfying the NFL’s Rooney Rule requirements before a hire can be finalized. 

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images