Mike McDaniel
Quick Facts
- Role: Offensive Coordinator
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers (LAC)
- Current holder: Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins HC)
- Coaching tree: Shanahan tree (49ers branch); see Coaching Trees
Background
McDaniel was the headline name of the 2026 OC cycle. As Dolphins HC in 2023, he ran the NFL's No. 1 offense (401.3 yards/game) with Tua Tagovailoa. Famous for scheming explosive plays for RBs (Raheem Mostert led the NFL with 18 rushing TDs at 31; De'Von Achane is one of the league's best weapons). Has the seventh-most team yards per play (5.78) among Super Bowl-era head coaches.
CBS gave the hire an A+ — best OC hire of the cycle.
Scheme and Tendencies
Shanahan-style outside zone, motion, condensed formations, RB screens, and chunk plays off play action. Expect a big bump for both Justin Herbert and rookie RB Omarion Hampton's fantasy ceilings.
Recent News
- 2026-10-13 — Will Chargers trade Justin Herbert? Update on possibility of QB being dealt and... (Will Chargers trade Justin Herbert? Update on possibility of QB being dealt and...)
- 2026-10-12 — What's next for Chargers? Why Khalil Mack should be traded, plus what to do about Jim... (What's next for Chargers? Why Khalil Mack should be traded, plus what to do about Jim...)
- 2026-07-20 — RBBC Is Dead: Why NFL Teams Are Abandoning The Running Back By Committee (2026 Fantasy... (RBBC Is Dead: Why NFL Teams Are Abandoning The Running Back By Committee (2026 Fantasy...)
- 2026-07-20 — Top 100 Running Backs for Fantasy Football – 2026 Rankings (Top 100 Running Backs for Fantasy Football – 2026 Rankings)
- 2026-09-23 — Evaluating surprise early-season trends for 32 NFL teams (Evaluating surprise early-season trends for 32 NFL teams)
- 2026-08-11 — Jamey Eisenberg's Fantasy Football Running Back Tiers 2.0: A round-by-round plan for... (Jamey Eisenberg's Fantasy Football Running Back Tiers 2.0: A round-by-round plan for...)
- 2026-10-14 — Who should be the NFL's buyers and sellers as the trade deadline approaches? (Who should be the NFL's buyers and sellers as the trade deadline approaches?)
- 2026-03-19 — Fantasy Football: Consider adding these 12 deep stashes for your bench in dynasty leagues (Fantasy Football: Consider adding these 12 deep stashes for your bench in dynasty leagues)
- 2026-10-05 — Which NFL Coaches Are on the Hot Seat and Why More Jobs May Open Than You Expect (Again) (Which NFL Coaches Are on the Hot Seat and Why More Jobs May Open Than You Expect (Again))
- 2026-10-15 — Which Coordinators Are Already On The Hot Seat? (Which Coordinators Are Already On The Hot Seat?)
Sources
- Full list of 2026 NFL coordinator grades from CBS Sports
- Chargers add Miami-tree assistants around McDaniel for 2026