The anticipation of the Bucs’ pursuit of  Mike McDaniel to be their next offensive coordinator has been the talk of the town in Tampa. It was reported earlier in the week that McDaniel was interviewing with the team on Friday, and then the Bucs announced today that they completed the interview with him.

This interview was in-person, which is important to note as McDaniel and Todd Monken have been the only people to interview in Tampa Bay’s building. With Monken likely going with John Harbaugh to the New York Giants to be their offensive coordinator, McDaniel becomes the hottest commodity for the Bucs. McDaniel will have options, though, as he’s interviewed for head coaching jobs and other offensive coordinator roles, too.

Bucs Can Benefit From McDaniel’s Experience 

McDaniel has a lot of experience around great offenses and being a play caller himself. He worked as an offensive assistant on the Commanders along side future head coaches Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur. Later on he worked as an offensive assistant coach for Dan Quinn with the Falcons when Shanahan was the offensive coordinator, and then followed Shanahan to the 49ers when he became head coach and McDaniel was named run game coordinator and eventually was the offensive coordinator for a season.

Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel and Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Nathan Ray Seebeck

He was the head coach and offensive play caller of the Dolphins for four seasons from 2022 to 2025. He compiled a record of 35-33 with two playoff appearances, losing on the road in the opening Wild Card round of his first two seasons. McDaniel and the Dolphins’ was a high octane and explosive offense in 2022 and 2023 with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at wide receiver, De’Von Achane (2023) running back and Tua Tagovailoa as the team’s quarterback.

With McDaniel calling the shots, the 2022 season saw the Dolphins rank 11th in points per game (23.4) and sixth in yards per game (364.5). It was the 2023 season, though, where Miami truly exploded and hit their stride. They were the best offense in the league as they were second points per game at 29.2, trailing the Cowboys by 0.7 points, and led the NFL in yards per game at 401.3.

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

Things unfortunately started to go sideways for the Dolphins in 2024 and 2025. Much of it had to do with serious concussions to Tagovailoa, causing him to miss several games. His play also regressed and it cost the team.

McDaniel Is The Best Fit For Bucs

McDaniel and his offensive style is considered to be a top of the league as the most innovative offenses in the NFL. He’s worked with several different players and personnel in this league and can get the most out of Baker Mayfield, Chris Godwin Jr, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Bucky Irving and hopefully a returning Mike Evans.

Bucs OC Candidate Mike McDaniel – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Sam Navarro

Having McDaniel as the offensive coordinator is the quickest way to getting the Bucs back to averaging close to 30 points per game. And given his previous head coaching experience, he could be an in-house hire to become the next head coach in Tampa Bay if Todd Bowles’ defensive side struggles.

Feelings have to be mutual between McDaniel in the Bucs. It’s difficult to see how this wouldn’t be a fit if it lines up correctly together.