Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel should be at the top of the list for the Bucs in their search for a new offensive coordinator. As this process has gone along, though, McDaniel hasn’t been linked to Tampa Bay despite them already interviewing a couple of candidates.

Maybe there’s good reason for that as McDaniel is still pursuing head coaching vacancies and has interviewed or plans to interview with the Falcons, Ravens, Titans and Browns. But hearing that he’s also going to meet with the Lions for their offensive coordinator opening does leave a concern.

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Sam Navarro

McDaniel Hasn’t Met With Bucs…Yet

According to reports from ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, though, Bucs fans don’t need to worry. Its just a matter of time before he finds his way to Tampa. His post on X explains it all:

If McDaniel were to step away from a head-coaching role, the next job wouldn’t necessarily have to be another top seat. History shows elite offensive coaches sometimes prefer a reset — a chance to focus on scheme, quarterback development, and weekly game-planning without the full organizational burden. Tampa Bay offers that opportunity.

Not to mention, he saw the Bucs up close and personal recently as the Dolphins defeated the towards the end of the season.

Why McDaniel Should Be Interested In Bucs

The Bucs wouldn’t be asking McDaniel to fix a broken roster from scratch. They already have an established quarterback in Baker Mayfield, a strong offensive line cornerstone in Tristan Wirfs, and skill talent that fits McDaniel’s strengths — receivers who can win quickly, versatile backs, and a system that can emphasize motion, spacing, and misdirection.

For an offensive coach, this is a plug-and-play situation.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Sam Navarro

One reason McDaniel has thrived is autonomy. If Tampa Bay makes a change at offensive coordinator, they won’t be looking for a figurehead — they’ll be looking for a voice to fully hand the offense to.

Todd Bowles has consistently shown he’s willing to delegate offense completely. That matters. McDaniel wouldn’t be stepping into a shared vision or compromised structure. He’d be designing the offense, calling the plays, and shaping weekly identity.That level of control is rare at the coordinator level — and appealing.

Tampa Bay also offers something intangible but real: less noise.This isn’t New York or Dallas. It’s a market where coaches can work, experiment, and rebuild reputation without constant national pressure. For someone as innovative and personality-driven as McDaniel, that environment could be a benefit, not a drawback.

Is Mike McDaniel to Tampa Bay likely? Its tough to say. With so many opening for head coach, its tough to see McDaniel not landing with one of those teams. But if he doesn’t, its pretty much just between the Bucs and Lions to bring him in as a highly coveted offensive coordinator.

Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

If circumstances do align, McDaniel prioritizes offensive creativity over title, if Tampa Bay commits fully to offense-first direction, and if the Bucs present the job as more than “just” coordinator — then the door isn’t locked. And in the NFL, an unlocked door is sometimes all it takes.

The Bucs have had three one-and-done coordinators in the past three seasons. Two of them went on to become head coaches and win a division title. Given that McDaniel has been a head coach before and has reached the postseason gives him a leg up if he has a good year coaching Tampa Bay. It would put him right back into the head coaching conversation.

And, considering how Todd Bowles is on the hot seat and the defense has been an issue, there’s a world where the Bucs part ways with Bowles after the season but make McDaniel the man in charge. It all needs to fall into place, but its possible.