Mike McDaniel receives another coaching interview following unfortunate conclusion with the Dolphins

Mike McDaniel Interviews for Browns Head Coaching Position

Mike McDaniel is heading back to Cleveland, where he previously served as a wide receivers coach, to interview for the head coaching role with the Browns.

The 42-year-old McDaniel is set to meet with the team on Monday. This decision comes just four days after he was let go by the Dolphins, wrapping up a four-year tenure that saw a 35-34 record but no playoff appearances.

McDaniel’s last two seasons in Miami ended without a postseason berth, including a disappointing 7-10 record in the latest season, which saw starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa benched for the final three games.

This news follows the Browns’ decision to fire head coach Kevin Stefanski last week, a move that has sparked plenty of discussion around potential candidates, including Stefanski himself being mentioned for roles with the Giants.

McDaniel’s earlier stint with the Browns was in 2014, when he worked under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and head coach Mike Pettine.

Interestingly, the Titans are also planning to interview McDaniel on Wednesday. It seems the Browns are actively searching for a new coach; McDaniel will be the sixth candidate interviewed. Other contenders include offensive coordinator Tommy Reese, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Seahawks’ DC Aden Durde, Bengals OC Dan Pitcher, and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

Additionally, the Browns are reportedly looking into John Harbaugh, the former Ravens head coach, for an interview soon. Cleveland.com noted that Harbaugh was contacted by seven teams, including the Browns, shortly after his release from Baltimore.

The next head coach will need to tackle the challenge of revitalizing a franchise that has struggled, finishing 8-24 over the past two seasons. The quarterback position, especially with rookies Shedur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel having significant playtime last season, will likely be a focus for whoever takes the job.

McDaniel has an interesting path; after his single season in Cleveland, he followed Shanahan to Atlanta in 2015 as offensive coordinator. Later, he became part of the 49ers’ coaching staff, starting as the run game coordinator before moving up to offensive coordinator. He was appointed head coach of the Dolphins in 2022.