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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Sports Desk • Football

Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel is an American football coach known for his offensive background and for serving as head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2022 until his dismissal in January 2026.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Mike McDaniel is an American football coach best known as head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2022 to 2026. He is now offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Early life and college career

McDaniel was born on March 6, 1983, in Aurora, Colorado. He played wide receiver at Yale University and graduated with a degree in history before entering coaching.

NFL coaching career

He began as an intern with the Denver Broncos in 2005 and later worked for the Texans, Browns, Falcons, and 49ers. McDaniel was hired as Miami Dolphins head coach in 2022 and served until his dismissal on January 8, 2026. He became offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of the 2026 season.

Coaching style and influences

McDaniel is associated with the Shanahan coaching tree and known for an innovative, analytical approach to offence. His play-calling and creative schemes helped Miami to a 35–33 record over four seasons.

In short

  • Born 1983 in Colorado, played at Yale.
  • Began NFL coaching as a Denver Broncos intern in 2005.
  • Head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2022 to January 2026.
  • Now offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Quick questions

Who is Mike McDaniel?
Mike McDaniel is an American football coach best known for leading the Miami Dolphins from 2022 to 2026 and for his offensive coaching background within the Shanahan coaching tree.
How old is Mike McDaniel?
He was born on March 6, 1983, making him 43 years old as of July 24, 2026.
What is McDaniel's coaching style?
Sources describe his style as offensive-minded, creative, and analytical, with a reputation for unusual personality and detailed play design.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_McDaniel
    Supports: Birth date; coaching background; Dolphins tenure end date; Shanahan coaching tree mention.
  2. Miami Dolphins — https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/five-facts-miami-dolphins-head-coach-mike-mcdaniel
    Supports: Hiring as Dolphins head coach; coaching career start; franchise context.
  3. Miami Dolphins — https://media.miamidolphins.com/wp-content/uploads/McDaniel-Mike-5.pdf
    Supports: Born in Aurora, Colorado; Yale background; Dolphins head coach status; family details.
  4. Cleveland Browns — https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/5-things-to-know-about-mike-mcdaniel
    Supports: Early coaching career; Yale playing career; offensive coaching background.
  5. Pro Football History — https://pro-football-history.com/coach/947/mike-mcdaniel-bio
    Supports: Dolphins record; firing date; future Chargers role; prior coaching assistants.
  6. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43907430/miami-dolphins-mike-mcdaniel-early-days-yale
    Supports: Career path; Yale background; Dolphins head-coaching context.